Taylor cruises to win over Belder

World number one Katie Taylor cruised to an emphatic lightweight decision over Jessica Belder in last night’s Ireland versus Holland women’s international at the National Stadium.

The Bray woman, who beat Belder 21-1 in Cork last year, was 17-3 up going into the third round en route to a 25-5 verdict at the home of Irish boxing.

Taylor will meet Belder, who took a standing count in round one last night, again at the Cavan Crystal Hotel on Sunday night.

"Meanwhile, 2010 European Junior silver medalist Christine Gargan lost 10-7 to Holland’s Alicia Holsken in the opening bout.

Michelle Lynch, with a countback decision over Bianca Elmir of Australia, Dervla Duffy, Claire Grace and Sarah Close also claimed wins at the Stadium. Close recorded a 13-6 decision over Willeke Verdellen at welterweight and Duffy posted a 21-12 victory over Kristen Fraser.