Billy Joe Saunders wins Bronze at Olympic Qualification event

Welterweight (69kg), Billy Joe Saunders won a Bronze medal at the European Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Pescara, Italy.

Saunders had to compete in a box-off for the coverted Olympic place after losing his semi-final bout against Olexander Strelskyy of Ukraine, 15-13. He won the crucial bout against Slovakian Pavol Hlavacka, 20-10.

Saunders advanced to the semi-final with victories over;

• Andrey Balanov of Russia (18:13)
• Michal Starbala of Poland (13:12)
• Kakhaber Zhvania of Georgia (15:5)

The boxing competition takes place throughout the Olympifc programme. Six finals take place on the final day.