MO Nasir's bid for Beijing got off to a cracking start this weekend as he said Arrivederci to his nightmare 2007 with a stunning win in Italy, writes Michael Pearlman.

Nasir, 22, the Yemen-born Commonwealth Games medallist, seems to be back to his best since switching to the 51-kilogram flyweight category.

Having lost out at the World Championships in Chicago last year as he struggled at 48-kilos, Nasir has rediscovered the form that made him one of Britain's most hotly tipped amateur fighters.

Having already won gold at the Multi-Nations tournament in Sheffield, the St Joseph's trained prospect won in great fashion in Pescara, Italy, as qualification for the Olympics becomes top of the agenda.

Nasir began his quest by beating experienced Romanian fighter Florin Iulius 19-9.

Nasir rocked his opponent with a straight right early in the first round and picked him off to cruise into a 6-1 lead.

By the end of round two it was 11-5 and the Romanian couldn't deal with Nasir's speed and technique, growing frustrated as the crowd applauded Newport's finest amateur fighter.

Tony Williams, Welsh national boxing coach said: "This the best I've seen Mo box for some while.

"Hopefully in his next contest against Khalid Yafal, Mo will be even better and back to the vintage Nasir of 2005 and 2006.

"It is going too be a hard bout for both boxers, that's for sure."

Nasir said: "The old Mo Nasir is back.

"I feel confident and on top of my game again now I have moved up a weight.

"Hopefully I will still get a chance to box at the Olympics, that is my dream.

"I feel fitter and stronger at 51 kilos and want to prove to the Olympic selectors I am the best."