BOXING Taylor into Semi-Finals at World Championships

Katie Taylor advanced to the semi-finals of the 6th AIBA World Women's Championships after recording a comfortable quarter-final win over Anastasia Belyakova in Barbados last night.


An emphatic 16-1 victory over the talented Russian lightweight, who took two standing counts in the fourth and final round, booked her ticket into the last four at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Bridgetown.


Taylor, who is targeting her third AIBA World title on the trot, will now meet Queen Underwood - an opponent she beat twice last year - of the USA in Friday's 60Kg semi-final.


Speaking after tonight's win Irish team manager Stephen Connelly described Taylor's performance as magnificent.


"The Russian girl impressed going into the quarter-final and she got some good wins under her belt, but Katie was absolutely brilliant. She never boxed this girl before so she was a bit of an unknown quantity. It was a magnificent all round performance from Katie."


Last night's win was Taylor's 98th victory from 104 bouts since 2001.


Thursday is a rest day at the Championships. The semi-finals will be held Friday with the finals penciled in for Saturday.


Tonight's victory guarantees 24-year old Taylor at least a bronze medal