‘Delighted’ Katie Taylor books Olympics spot after tough duel

Katie Taylor qualified for her second successive Olympics after subduing battling Mexican lightweight Victoria Torres at the World Women’s Elite Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan yesterday.

The last-eight win ensures Ireland will be taking home at least two bronze medals from Central Asia as, earlier yesterday, Kellie Harrington advanced to the last-four at the expense of Kazakhstan’s Zarina Tsoloyeva in the light-welter class.

A top four finish is enough to secure Rio 2016 qualification in the three women’s Olympic weights of flyweight, lightweight and middleweight, and Taylor booked her ticket in robust style in Astana.