Chris Eubank Jr has had his hopes of competing at Rio 2016 dashed by GB Boxing ©Getty Images

British professional boxer Chris Eubank Jr’s hopes of representing his country at this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro appear to be over after GB Boxing announced they would not consider him for selection as the spot on the team in his middleweight category has already been filled.

An historic ruling from the International Boxing Association (AIBA), passed unanimously at the body’s Congress in Lausanne last Wednesday (June 1), opened the door for professionals to compete alongside their amateur counterparts at the Olympics.

Eubank Jr, son of former super-middleweight world champion Chris Eubank, approached GB Boxing in the hope of getting the chance to take part at Rio 2016, despite fellow middleweight Anthony Fowler having already qualified in his division for the Games.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist secured his spot at Rio 2016 at the European Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament in Samsun in Turkey in April.

Reports had emerged that Eubank Jr, the current British middleweight champion, had enquired about the possibility of selection, which were then confirmed by GB Boxing.

GB Boxing have confirmed Glasgow 2014 gold medallist Anthony Fowler will box for Britain in the middleweight division at Rio 2016, despite a late bid from Chris Euband Jnr ©Getty Images
GB Boxing have confirmed Glasgow 2014 gold medallist Anthony Fowler will box for Britain in the middleweight division at Rio 2016, despite a late bid from Chris Euband Jnr ©Getty Images

“We can confirm that we have had enquiries from people claiming to represent Chris Eubank Jr,” a statement from the organisation read.

“We explained that the qualification process for Rio 2016 has been going on for several months and that Great Britain has already qualified a boxer in the middleweight (75kg) category, Antony Fowler, and that he will represent Team GB in that weight class at the Olympic Games this summer.”

Eubank Jr, who will defend his British title against Tom Doran at London’s O2 Arena on June 25, and his father are reportedly remaining hopeful of heading to Rio as a potential back-up to Fowler.

GB Boxing are planning on sending two athletes to the AIBA World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Baku from June 16 to 25 and are considering taking advantage of the controversial rule to allow professionals to box at the Games at the AIBA Pro Boxing and World Series of Boxing Olympic qualifier.

The event, where 26 quota places will be on offer, is due to take place on July 3 to 8 in Vargas, Venezuela.

The decision to grant professionals the opportunity to compete at the Olympics has been heavily criticised, with possible safety risks due to mismatches between professional and less experienced amateurs one concern.