NATIONAL boxing coach Tony Williams has identified Newport light-flyweight Mo Nasir as one of two Welsh boxers who can make the Great Britain team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Williams, Wales' first full-time professional coach, was thrilled with the four-medal Commonwealth Games haul in Melbourne that came from silver-medallist Kevin Evans (super-heavy) and bronze medallists Nasir, Jamie Crees (light-welter) and Darren Edwards (feather).

But he believes Welsh amateur boxing, with its increased funding, can do even better in the future and says 20-year-old Nasir (St Josephs) and 17-year-old Chris Jenkins (Cwmgors) can fly the flag in Beijing.

"I think they are two who could stamp themselves over the next two years," said Gwent-based Williams.

"Jenkins did not get a medal in Australia, losing on points to the reigning champion, but the potential is there.

"Mo Nasir, when he first got into the seniors, did nothing, but in recent times he has won Commonwealth bronze, the Tammar Cup, the Federation Cup (both international tournaments) and has lost on points to the Olympic champion.

"I think both can qualify for the Olympic team.

"I think the media put too much pressure on Mo in Melbourne. I think everybody was pinning a gold medal on him before he went when I knew a medal of any sort would be an achievement."

Regarding the Commonwealth Games, Williams added: "We went with aspirations of one or two medals. That's what we had in Manchester four years earlier (one gold and one bronze).

"So I was more than pleased we doubled our haul, and don't forget the boxing team of eight contributed had a 50 per cent success rate and represented 20 per cent of Wales' medal haul (of 19).

"The boxers were the most popular members of the Welsh team in terms of their behaviour, discipline, everything.

"But my own gut feeling is that we could have had a gold. I think that perhaps one or two of the boys, without giving any names, were so happy for a medal, which was unexpected, that they mentally settled for that."

Williams is adamant increased funding from the Sports Council and National Assembly is the major factor behind the Principality's boxing boom.

"I know money isn't everything, but it really has made a massive difference," he said.

"We have had an enormous commitment from the Sports Council for Wales and the National Assembly and things have turned around.

"We've been able to have squad sessions, training camps, preparation camps, everything. "I don't like to give figures, but investment in boxing has increased vastly.

"It's not long ago we had only £4,000 a year and when there was the split (between the Welsh ABA and the Welsh Boxing Federation) it went down to nil.

"But since then it has gone up and up, I was appointed Wales' first full-time professional coach and of course we now have the national headquarters at Brecon.

"We have regular day squads and weekend squads etc., compete in more competitions, and everything's moving forward."

And how can we ensure that continues in Wales?

"By identifying youngsters sooner through our regional and staff coaches, which we are beginning to do now, and getting them into our squads. There is a lot there for us to identify," said Williams.