IAIN Weaver was last night left heartbroken after his Olympic dream was shattered.

The Ferndown boxer was overlooked for the final London 2012 qualifier in Turkey next month, despite claiming a silver medal in the recent Strandja Cup in Bulgaria.

Weaver, the 2009 ABA senior champion at 57kg, European silver medallist in 2010 and Commonwealth gold medallist the same year, was understood to be battling with Londoner Martin Ward for a spot at the Istanbul qualifier.

Ward failed to win a medal in the Czech Republic Grand Prix last week and was found wanting at the first Olympic qualifier in Baku, Azerbaijan late last year, leaving Weaver in prime position for a shot at Games qualification.

But Great Britain boxing chief Rob McCracken yesterday sprung a surprise on both Weaver and Ward when he selected Scouse prospect Sam Maxwell for Istanbul.

Maxwell, the reigning ABA champion at 60kg, has only been on the Great Britain podium squad since January, but claimed a gold medal on international debut in Finland last week.

Weaver has been with the GB training squad in Sheffield for more than three years since winning several junior national titles at featherweight.

In an emotional phone call to the Daily Echo yesterday, Weaver’s father Jay claimed McCracken had told his son he was “too small” at 60kg when breaking the news to the 22-year-old. Jay requested that his son be left alone for 24 hours.

It is not known whether Weaver will remain in the amateur ranks or turn professional following his Games snub.