China's Zou Shiming has survived a thrilling final-round fightback from Ireland's Paddy Barnes to book his spot in the light flyweight gold medal bout.

Barnes made a fast start and took the fight to Zou, who stepped up the pace as the first round wore on to take a three-point lead.

The Chinese fighter had preserved his advantage by the time third-round bell rang and he was keeping outside of the Irishman's reach.

However, Barnes did manage to drag him into a scrap in the final round. The pair stood toe to toe in the centre of the ring and engaged in a furious exchange, of which Barnes got the better by far.

Zou was now not moving so fluently and Barnes took full advantage, landing a string of heavy shots that took the life out of the Chinese man's legs.

A terrific final round from the Irishman was not enough to see him advance, as Zou was awarded the victory on countback after the judges scored the contest 15-15.