Bernard Meli competed in the men’s light-welterweight boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, winning his opening bout before facing the eventual gold medallist in his second contest.

Meli outpointed his Greek opponent to win his first bout, before being outclassed by Bohumil Nemecek of Czechoslovakia – the eventual gold medallist, whose gold medal final victory over Ike Quartey of Ghana gave Quartey the distinction of becoming the first black African to win an Olympic boxing medal.

Meli was one of several Irish boxers who faced eventual medallists at the Rome Games, reflecting the strength of the competition.