Taylor: Boxing for gold 'is a dream'

Katie Taylor is living the dream after she beat Mazvuna Chorieva 17-9 in their semi-final bout at the ExCel Arena in London.

The Wicklow warrior is now guaranteed at least a silver medal, but has her sights set on the gold.

"It's amazing really, this is what I dreamed of doing, I now have a chance to box for a gold medal."

Katie won the first round 3-1 before extending the gap to 7-3 at the midway point.

Chorieva tried her best to disrupt Taylor with some showboating but the greatest female boxer of all time made it 13-6 in the third round.

She also won the final round 4-3, sending the huge Irish presence in the arena into raptures.

"It was a completely different fight to Monday's really. It was always going to be tight first couple of rounds, she is a good counter puncher, you just have to stay calm and composed.

"We knew she was going to be very physical in close, we expected that."

Katie now faces Sofya Ochigava of Russia, whom she beat in the final of the world championships this year.

"I boxed her in the world championships, she is kind of going to be the same (as Chorieva) as well, so we know what to expect. I am just delighted to be boxing for a gold tomorrow, it's a dream.

The Bray fighter said her bout felt like a home fight, such is the support she is getting from the thousands of Irish fans at the ExCel.

"I couldn't hear my dad at times from the corner, it's amazing, the support has been incredible.

"I will have to focus kind of quick, I wouldn't mind a day off, but I have to stay sharp and hopefully I can bring a gold medal back, please God."