British boxers move a step closer to Rio

It is a crucial competition for the athletes as the top three men and the two leading women in each weight category earn places for their country at this summer's Olympic Games in Rio.

European champion Joe Cordina impressed in his 60kg win over Miklos Varga of Hungary, while Anthony Fowler (70kg) progressed against Moldova's Valeri Sirbu.

And after the victory, Fowler said: "It was a tough fight today but I dug in and got that win, another step closer to my dream of Olympic qualification."

Cyrus Pattinson (69kg) faced one of the world's best in Arajik Marutjan of Germany but went on to win unanimously and Joshua Buatsi defeated Spain's Alejandro Camacho Fernandez at 81kg.

Heavyweight Lawrence Okolie also had to defeat a top fighter in Netherland's Roy Korving and Qais Ashfaq (56kg) was awarded his fight against Merab Turkadze of Georgia after both men were cut in the second round.

"Got the win tonight," said Okolie. "Hard fight but I dug deep and beat Europe's number four and world number eight. Three more to go. One round at a time."

The other GB fighters in action on Wednesday are Galal Yafai (49kg), Muhammad Ali (52kg), Pat McCormack (64kg), Joe Joyce (91kg+) and the sole female representative is reigning Olympic champion Nicola Adams, fighting at 51kg.

Sportsbeat 2016