Katie Taylor set for first fight in Baku

Katie Taylor makes her entrance at the inaugural European Games in Baku today, when the Olympic champion fights Denitsa Eliseeva in the last 16 of the women’s lightweight boxing.

Taylor, who has been recovering from a wrist injury, actually lost to today’s opponent in her last competitive defeat four years ago in controversial circumstances in a tournament in Eliseeva’s native Bulgaria.

The Bray fighter has beaten Eliseeva in all their subsequent encounters, including the semi-final at last year’s European Championships.

Taylor’s fight is underway at 2.30pm Irish time, and is one of four bouts with Irish interest today.

Portlaoise middleweight Michael O’Reilly faces Emir Sabotic of Montenegro, Wexford light-welterweight Dean Walsh takes on Russian Maxim Dadashev and Kilkenny heavyweight Darren O’Neill fights Raitis Sinkevits.

The men’s cycling road race got underway at 6am Irish time around the streets of Baku, with the Irish team consisting of back-to-back Junior Tour of Ireland winner Eddie Dunbar, Sean Downey, Conor Dunne, Ryan Mullen and Jack Wilson.

Natasha McManus got off to a solid start in the women’s 3m springboard qualifying by reaching 11th place after seven dives.