Irish boxer Ward loses bid to get Olympics entry

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has dismissed an appeal by Irish boxer Joseph Ward to be invited to the London Olympics ahead of a rival from Montenegro.

The court said its panel had no jurisdiction to handle Ward's case - and in any case, ''the application would have to be dismissed on the merits, too.''

Light-heavyweight Ward did not earn one of 25 direct qualifying berths for the 81-kilogram (178-pound) category.

CAS says Ward had argued that Montenegrin fighter Bosko Draskovic was not eligible for the one invitational spot.

It was offered by a panel comprising officials from boxing's governing body AIBA, the IOC and the Association of National Olympic Committees.

CAS says Irish Olympic officials did not take part in Ward's hearing.