Moate's Joe Ward qualifies for 2016 Olympic Games

Joe Ward has qualified for next summer's Olympic Games in Rio and guaranteed himself at least a silver medal at the world boxing championships in Doha, Qatar.

The superbly talented 21-year-old from Moate this evening (Monday) produced another excellent display to defeat Elshod Rasulov of Uzbekistan in the semi final.

Amid chants of 'olé, olé, olé' from the vocal Irish support, Ward took every round on all three of the judges' scorecards.

Rasulov made an aggressive start but sustained a cut over his eye in the first round and a confident Ward remained in control of the contest throughout.

He punched the air in delight after this landmark victory in his young but glittering career. 

After narrowly missing out on qualification for London in 2012, Ward has now achieved his long-time goal of booking a place at the Olympic Games.

His win also guarantees at least at a silver medal at the world championships and he will box for gold in the final in Doha on Thursday.