Taylor and Barnes progress to semis in Turkey

Katie Taylor, Paddy Barnes and Carl Frampton all won their semi-final bouts at the men's and women's Ahmet Comert Cup in Istanbul, Turkey today.

But Irish captain Eric Donovan bowed out following a 4-2 reversal to Cuban 2008 Olympian Idil Leal this afternoon.

Taylor, Barnes and Frampton are now guaranteed at least silver medals and will face Turkish opponents in tomorrows finals.

Taylor, the reigning World lightweight champion, was actually trailing 7-5 versus Daria Abhramova in round two but turned things round in spectacular fashion to beat the Russian 21-7.

And Beijing Olympic bronze medalist Paddy Barnes beat Uzbekistan light flyweight Rasul Djuraev 11-2.

Frampton got Ireland off to a winning start earlier today after earning a 5-2 verdict over Turkish featherweight Kerem Gurgen.

Head coach Billy Walsh, Zuar Antia and Peter Taylor are working the Irish squad's corner in Istanbul.