MARIME AIMING TO MAKE RIO 2016 OUT OF AFRICA

Bernaldo Marime (blue) in action in the Ulster Championships

Bernaldo Marime (blue) in action in Ireland

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association wish Bernaldo Marime the best of luck in the African Rio 2016 qualifiers.

The Holy Trinity BC light-welter lost to eventual champion Dean Walsh in last November’s Elite Championships at Dublin’s National Stadium.

But Marime, who was born Mozambique before moving to Tyrone aged 12, is now, boxing for Mozambique, who have employed a Cuban coach, aiming to qualify for Rio through the African qualifiers, which begin in Yaounde, Cameroon on Friday.

272 boxers from 39 countries have registered. Harry Hawkins, Marime’s coach at the Holy Trinity BC, reckons he’s right in there with a shout in Yaounde.

“He gave Dean Walsh a good fight in the Irish seniors. He’s tough, he’s matured a hell of a lot and he’s a very, very strong boy, Hawkins told The Irish News.

“He realises the opportunity he has – there’s not many people get that chance. Getting out of Ireland can sometimes be the hardest part of qualifying for the Olympics, and then even if you manage that, there’s nothing easy about the European qualifiers.”

“The African qualifiers won’t be easy, but it wouldn’t be as tough as the Europeans, so it’s a great opportunity.”

“We’ve worked hard with him, that bit of work with the High Performance is helping him because he’s getting some quality sparring.”

The top three light-welters in Yaounde qualify for Rio 2016.