BOXING Bray Boxer Katie Taylor crowned World Champion
23 Nov 2006
Thursday November 23rd.
IRISH AMATEUR BOXING ASSOCIATION
"TAYLOR IS WORLD CHAMPION"
Irish boxing sensation Katie Taylor was crowned world champion today after beating Annabella Farias in the lightweight final (60kg) at the 4th women's World Championships in India.
The 20 year old Irish woman produced yet another stunning display of clinical and, at times, ruthless boxing to defeat the Argentinean 31-14 over three rounds in New Delhi.
Speaking after the fight, coach Peter Taylor, who was in his daughters corner in the Talkatota Stadium, said that they were absolutely thrilled with the result.
He said: "It is a great moment for us and for Irish amateur boxing. Last year we suffered a set back at these championships but Katie was determined to get it right this time and she did just that and more. It is a great feeling."
"She boxed brilliantly today and even though it went the distance the winning margin was still seventeen points and she was in control all the way."
The President of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) Dominic O'Rourke, said that Taylor had done her country proud in India.
He said. "Incredible is the only word to describe her win. We had every confidence in her going out there but the way she won her fights against some of the top boxers in the world was unbelievable.
"She really has done here country proud in India and everyone associated with Irish amateur boxing is immensely proud of this achievement."
Gary Keegan, who heads the High Performance Programme which Taylor is part of, said her gold medal win was another great moment in Irish sport.
He said: "Katie really was magnificent in India. I thought that her semi-final win over the Russian world champion was simply brilliant as was her win today along with all her other victories.
"This achievement is up there with all the great moments in Irish sport and she totally deserves this as she has worked incredibly hard over the last few years. We are absolutely thrilled with this win."
Taylor could be celebrating on the double later this afternoon as sources in New Delhi have indicated that she is amongst the favourites to win the boxer of the tournament award.
Taylor was under coach Peter Taylor, team manager John McCormack (St Saviours OBA), physio Mary Louise Ryan, and Al Morris (R&J) in New Delhi.
Ireland's new world champion is due to arrive home on Saturday morning following tomorrow's closing ceremony in New Delhi. Details of the homecoming will be announced shortly.
TAYLOR'S PATH TO GOLD
November 18th (Preliminary Rd): Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Caroline Barry (USA) 16-1 (Barry stopped on 15 point rule Rd 1)
November 19th (Last 16): Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Eva Walstrom (Finland) 19-4, (Walstrom stopped on 15 point rule Rd 2)
November 21st (Quarter/Final): Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Florianna Popa, Romania 20-5 (Popa stopped on 15 point rule Rd 2)
November 22nd (Semi/Final): Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Tatyana Chalaya (Russia) 23-6. (Tatyana was the reigning world champion)
November 23rd (Final): Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Annabella Farias (Argentina) (31-14 over three rounds)
Ends.
Stock pictures of Katie are available from Sportsfile www.sportsfile.com 01-4547400