BOXING Katie Taylor wins gold at International in Russia
Consistent Irish lightweight Katie Taylor was back on top of the podium today after claiming a gold medal at the women's international tournament in Stipuno, Russia. following her 60Kg final win over Dariy Abramova.
Taylor, the reigning World and European champion, beat the Russian 21-6.
And in a double celebration for the 20 year old Bray woman she was also presented with the boxer of the tournament award.
This afternoons victory, Taylor's fourth in as many days, delighted her dad and coach Peter Taylor, and Ukraine born Irish coach Igor Kahml.
Peter Taylor said: "Today's final went the distance and Katie is delighted with that as she wanted to get as many rounds as possible under her belt and she certainly got that this week as all her four fights went the full three rounds."
"Russia is one of the top amateur boxing nations in the world and beating Russian boxers here is a bit unheard of these days but Katie managed to do it twice this week and we are thrilled with this win and the gold medal.
"The overall standard of competition here was very high and that is another plus as Katie was competing against quality opposition all week.
"Overall she got twelve rounds of boxing under her belt in her four bouts and we are very happy with that".
In her four fights in Stupino, Taylor - who is ranked number one in the World and Europe at lightweight and number one in the World and Europe in the pound-for-pound rankings - racked up 66 points and conceded 22.
Taylor is now considering boxing in the Ahmet Comet Cup in Istanbul, Turkey in May in the build up to her world title defence later this year.
The women's World Championships is due to take place in Ningbo, China between October 30th and November 10th 2008.
Women's International Tournament Stupino Russia Results 60Kg
March 18th Preliminaries:Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Gulsum Tatar (Turkey) 16-5
March 19th Quarter Finals:Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Tatiana Bondareva (Russia) 12-6
March 20th Semi Finals: Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Alexandra Siderenko (Ukraine) 17-5
March 21st Final: Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Dariy Abramova (Russia) 21-6
Boxer of the tournamnet award: Katie Taylor (Ireland)
Irish team and management
60Kg: Katie Taylor
Coaches: Peter Taylor, Igor Kahml
More info:
Bernard O'Neill
Public Relations Officer
Irish Amateur Boxing Association
Ph: 086 057 9558
Fax: 061 408627
bernard.oneill@oceanfree.net
www.iaba.ie