Murray books Beijing spot

Joe Murray has earned himself qualification for next year's Olympics with another stunning victory at the World Amateur Championships.

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Joe Murray has earned himself qualification for next year's Olympics in Beijing with another stunning victory at the World Amateur Championships. The 20-year-old bantamweight defeated Commonwealth silver medallist Bruno Julie of Mauritius 26-19 to book his place in the quarter-finals in Chicago and automatic qualification for the Olympics. The Moss Side fighter is a former room-mate of Amir Khan and is delighted to be getting the chance to emulate the Bolton brawler, who took silver in Athens three years ago. "It's not bad going to have two Lancashire fighters reaching two Olympics in a row," he said. "It's an absolute dream come true and I've got to give a massive thank you to my England coach Terry Edwards and my club coach Joe Gallagher for having the faith and confidence in me." Murray made a fast start to lead 5-0 and never relinquished it despite a spirited fightback from his opponent. He led 13-9 at the end of the second round and 19-13 after an impressive third before easing to victory and delighting Edwards, who has four more Olympic hopefuls plus Scot Steve Simmons still to come.