KEIGHLEY'S Muhammad Ali starts his bid to earn a place in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games on Friday when he competes at the IABA World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

The 19-year-old, who was given a bye in the first round of the 52kg flyweight category, will take on the winner of tomorrow's bout between Italian Picardi Vincenzo and Indian Lal Madan.

The former Bradford College pupil needs to reach the final of the event to book his place in Rio next summer.

Despite being the youngest of the eight-man British team, the Bury Amateur Boxing Club member will go into the event with confidence, having claimed a silver in the European Championships in August.