Boxer Steven Donnelly secures place at Rio Olympics

Welterweight Steven Donnelly is on his way to Brazil next summer after it was announced he has achieved a quota place for the Rio Olympics.

The Ballymena boxer gained his place through the World Series of Boxing (WSB), having won five out of six bouts for the Hussars of Poland in the WSB last season and finishing in the top two in the 69kg class.

The IABA released a statement announcing Donnelly's qualification on Wednesday, and CEO Fergal Carruth said: "We have received confirmation that Steven has been offered a quota place for the Olympic Games in Rio. This is fantastic news for our sport and congratulations to Steven and his club."

Donnelly joins world elite champion Michael Conlan, Paddy Barnes and Joe Ward in having received quota places for the Olympics.

There are another nine Olympic places - six for men and three for women - still up for grabs for Ireland’s boxers in 2016.