Seasoned Irish light-welter champion Neil Gough from Waterford made an impressive start in his attempt to claim a place in the Sydney Olympics draw by beating Juan Fernandez of Spain 10-2 at the final qualifiers in Liverpool last evening.

Gough led from the first bell, stringing his punches together with confidence and accuracy to take a 7-2 advantage into the last round. He qualifies if he wins two more bouts.

Later, Stephen Reynolds, the St Joseph's, Sligo heavyweight, was equally impressive when beating a strong Czech Republic fighter in Roman Karcik on a score of 8-2. Reynolds was generally first to the punch and also countered well to minimise Karcik's attempts to gain control at crucial stages of an absorbing fight.

On Sunday, Harry Cunningham, the Saints Belfast light-fly, was stopped by the doctor because of a nose bleed in the third round of his bout. Cunningham was trailing 5-2 at the time of the stoppage.