Taylor powers her way into semi-final

Katie Taylor took a major step towards retaining her lightweight title at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Barbados, where she outpointed the Russian, Anastasia Belyakova, 16-1 in last night’s quarter-finals.

Taylor, who is bidding for a third successive world title, gave the Russian two standing counts in the fourth round en route to a comprehensive victory, which guarantees her a bronze medal, at least, in those championships.

Her opponent in tomorrow’s semi-finals is Queen Underwood from the USA, a woman she has beaten twice previously. Today is a rest day at the championships.