Taylor loses in Czech Republic

Katie Taylor relinquished her proud unbeaten run stretching back to May 13, 2007 after she was beaten by former World champion Sofya Ochigava of Russia in her lightweight semi final at the Usti na Labem Gran Prix in the Czech Republic yesterday.

Sat, 13 Mar, 2010 - 09:33

Ochigava, the current European featherweight champion who has moved up to lightweight for the tournament, beat the Bray woman 8-1 over four two-minute rounds.

Taylor, the reigning World and European lightweight champ, will be taking home bronze from the Czech Republic.

Meanwhile closer to home, Eric Donovan produced a career best performance as Ireland beat Italy 7-5 at the National Stadium in Dublin last night.

Donovan, from the St Michael's Athy club, beat reigning World lightweight champion and AIBA World boxer of the year Domenico Valentino 11-8.

Tipperary heavyweight Con Sheehan, the current EU champion, secured the win for Ireland with a 4-2 decision over 2007 AIBA World champion Clemente Russo in the second last contest of the 12 bout international.

John Joe Nevin, Tyrone McCullagh, World Youth champion Ray Moylette, John Joe Joyce and Darren O'Neill, the reigning EU middleweight champion, also had their hands raised in victory on the night.

FULL RESULTS

Ireland v Italy, National Stadium Dublin, March 12:

51Kg: Gary Molloy (Ireland) lost to Vincenzo Picardi (Italy) 2-7

51Kg: Jimmy Moore (Ireland) lost to Alex Ferramosca (Italy) 7-13

54Kg: John Joe Nevin (Ireland) beat Vittorio Parrinello (Italy) 11-3

57Kg: Tyrone McCullagh (Ireland) beat Alessio Di Sevino (Italy) 10-6

60Kg: Eric Donovan (Ireland) beat Domenico Valentino (Italy) 11-8

64Kg: Ray Moylette (Ireland) beat Vincenzo Manggiacapre (Italy) 10-0

64Kg: Philip Sutcliffe (Ireland) lost to Davide Cenciarelli (Italy) 14-16

69Kg; John Joe Joyce (Ireland) beat Diego Di Luisa (Italy) 15-5

75Kg: Darren O'Neill (Ireland) beat Luca Podda (Italy) 11-1

81Kg: Gezim Disha (Ireland) lost to Simone Fiori (Italy) 3-10