BOXING: Commonwealth Games gold medalist Shelley Watts has taken the next step on her path to Rio 2016, securing her place as Australia’s contender at next year’s Olympic qualifiers and World Championships.

28-year-old Watts had to work hard to overcome NSW opponent, Anja Stridsman, over four tough rounds in the 60kg division at a challenge event in Melbourne.

Under the challenge system, silver medalists at last month’s Australian Championships get the chance to take on the gold medalist again, and if they can reverse the result, force the competition into a third fight.

Watts had to withstand a sustained, nard-hitting attack from her taller opponent, especially in the third round when Stridsman looked to be getting on top.

But Watts fought back to take control, eventually getting the judges nod in a tight result.

Daniel Lewis is another to book his place at next year’s Olympic qualifiers, after he once again outlasted former World Junior champion, Clay Waterman, in their highly anticipated 75kg bout.

His World Championships teammates, Josh English (49kg) and Jason Whateley (91kg), also booked their ticket to the Olympic qualifiers with second wins in their division.

Exciting Western Australian prospect, Alex Winwood, once again got the result over Queensland’s Reggie Palm Island in an entertaining 52kg bout, while in one of the closest fights of the day, Victoria’s Mathew Sheehan repeated his Australian Open win over Queensland’s Jack Bowen in the 81kg division.

Earlier Commonwealth Games athlete, Kristy Harris, secured her place for next year’s qualifiers with a repeat win over NSW’s Jasmeen Hudson in the 51kg division.

South Australia’s David Biddle and Western Australia’s Fano Kori have booked their tickets to next year’s Olympic qualifiers following last-gasp wins at a Boxing Australia challenge event in Melbourne.

Under the qualification system the silver medalists at last month’s Australian championships were able to challenge the title holder to a best-of-three contest.

Biddle and Kori were both beaten on Saturday, forcing a third and deciding bout on Sunday.

Biddle was made to work hard against NSW’s Felipe Blemith in the 64kg division, which included receiving a standing count in the second round, before prevailing in a split points decision.

Sudanese born Kori also found the going tough against the ACT’s Alex Cooper, before eventually getting the judges nod in the 69kg division.

Sunday’s results finalise the Australian line-up for next year’s Olympic qualifiers, which includes Commonwealth Games silver medalist, Joe Goodall, and World Championship boxers Daniel Lewis, Josh English and Jason Whateley.

75kg Australian champion, Caitlyn Parker, and 2015 champion, Kaye Scott, will box off in February for the right to attend the Olympic qualifers.

Ross Solly for Boxing Australia