AMATEUR boxer Muhammad Ali will represent Team GB at next month's inaugural European Games in Azerbaijan.

The 19-year-old, who became Bury ABC's first Senior ABA title holder in 15 years last month, is part of a strong nine-man team hoping success at the event can earn qualification for the World Championships in Qatar later this year – which is itself a qualifier for the Rio Olympics.

Ali, who is also the European junior champion, competes in the GB Three Nations tournament against Scotland and Wales in Sheffield this weekend before joining up with Team GB in Baku from June 12-28.

And coach Mick Jelley, who led Bolton star Amir Khan to Olympic qualification at Athens 2004, is delighted for his latest prodigy.

"I'm proud and thrilled for Ali," he said.

"Obviously he's got to win a medal at the trials to go to the Olympics, so we just have to keep our fingers crossed and hope he medals.

"It's a fantastic achievement for him. All the hard work he's put in has paid off.

"For Ali to win an ABA senior in only his third senior contest is unbelievable and I believe it's a first.

"The ultimate aim now is for him to qualify for the Olympics in Rio next year.

"It's like anything you need a little bit of luck on your side and be able to perform on the day, and hopefully he will do it."

There was disappointment for young fighter Zain Ahmed, who lost unanimously on points to George Bance in the quarter-finals of the Schoolboy Championships at Great Barr Leisure Centre in Birmingham last weekend.

This week, Ali Akbar Javid will box in the semi-finals at the same venue.