BOXING Taylor Claims a Hat-trick in Bardados

Ireland's Caribbean queen Katie Taylor claimed her third World title on the trot at the 6th AIBA Women's World Championships following a magnificent victory over Cheng Dong of China in Barbados tonight.

The Bray woman had her hand raised in victory for a third time at this level since 2006 after outclassing her Chinese opponent, winning 18-5 over four, two minutes rounds at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Bridgetown.

Tonight's final was a repeat of the 2008 final which Taylor won 13-2 in Ningbo City, China.

The Barbados victory was her 100th win in 106 bouts since 2001.

In that period she has won three AIBA World titles, four European and three European Union gold's and also scooped the 2008 AIBA female boxer of the year award.

"I just can't believe it, said an elated Taylor after her victory. "The Irish crowd here wer fantastic. It has been fantastic two weeks."

IABA Director of boxing Dominic O'Rourke added that Taylor was a credit to the sport.

"Katie was quite simply magnificent. To win three World titles in a row is a stunning achievement and everyone involved with the sport in this country is very, very proud of what she has achieved.

"We're absolutely thrilled with the victory and all involved with the Irish squad deserve enormous credit for what is an historic achievement for an Irish athlete."

Irish team manager Stephen Connolly said that Taylor was an inspiration to every aspiring sportsperson in the country.

"She is a fantastic ambassador for Irish sport. What she has achieved out here will probably never be surpassed in Ireland. I thought the coaches got it 100% right tonight and it was a fantastic performance all round."

Taylor, who had her dad and coach working her corner tonight along with Zuar Antia, won her first World title in New Delhi in 2006 and succesfully defended her crown in Ningbo City, China two years later.