Classy Taylor on target for another Euro gold

KATIE TAYLOR is just one fight away from winning the European lightweight title for a third successive year following an impressive semi-final victory over Ukrainian southpaw, Yana Zavyalona, at the 6th Women’s European Boxing Championships in Vejle, Denmark, yesterday.

The world and double European champion from Bray never looked like losing — taking the opening two rounds 4-0, 6-1, before being handed an 11-4 verdict in the third.

With a rest day today, she will now meet Switzerland’s Sandra Brugger in tomorrow’s final. Brugger created something of a sensation when she edged out Russia’s Ayzanat Gadzhieva 8-6 in the other semi final.

Taylor will go into the final as hot favourite having convincingly beaten Brugger in her home town of Bray last summer, and she admitted last evening she is confident of retaining her title for the second time.

“I am thrilled with today’s win and I am looking forward to the final with Brugger,” she said.

“I felt I boxed very well and I’m feeling very confident. I came out here to retain my title and that will be my target on Saturday.”

Yesterday’s semi-final was also the first time Taylor, who is now guaranteed at least a silver medal, has had to go the distance to record a victory.

Today is a rest before the Championships conclude with finals in all weight categories tomorrow.