BURY ABC boxer Muhammad Ali took one step closer to the Rio Olympics after competing for British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing.

Ali won his flyweight bout against Darra Abdelali by a unanimous decision, helping the Lionhearts beat Morocco Atlas Lions 3-2 in Casablanca.

He is due to represent Britain against America at Bethnal Green next month in the same competition before heading to Bulgaria for the next round of Olympic qualifiers in May.

Coach Mick Jelley said: "His place in the qualifiers does not depend on him winning, he just has to avoid injury in his bout against America.

"The IOC have introduced new rules to say that fighters have to represent their country in two World Series contests in a calendar year before being allowed entry to the qualifiers.

"So if he comes through unscathed at Bethnal Green then he will get his chance.

"Britain has not had a single fighter qualify for the Olympics as yet. It was similar when Amir Khan got in (in 2004). He qualified at the same venue in Sofia, so that could be a good omen."

Elsewhere, Bury ABC boxers Mauvia Nasim and Ibrahim Nadim qualified for the finals weekend of the ABA Youth Championships.

Nadim made the last eight of the 47-49k division courtesy of a walkover, while Nasim beat Spennymoor ABC's Michael Jacques, in the 50-52k division, by a unanimous decision on points.