JOHN JOE JOYCE (St Michael’s, Athy) was celebrating his move up to welterweight with another national title at the National Stadium last night but the defending champion, Willie McLaughlin (Illies GG, Donegal), was scratching his head on the wrong side of a 12-9 verdict.

Reigning World and European lightweight champion Katie Taylor completed a fantastic day for Irish amateur boxing after claiming her third major title at the European Union Championships in Liverpool this afternoon.

KATIE TAYLOR will launch her 2008 season in Fermoy tonight when she meets Klara Svensson of Sweden on a bill that will include eight women’s contests at the Loreto Sports Complex (7.30pm).

World and back-to-back European Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor has been included on an eleven strong Irish senior squad for a three day international training camp which begins at the National Stadium in Dublin today.