BOXING Taylor Opens Account with Comfortable Win

Katie Taylor opened her AIBA World title defence with a comfortable last-32 win over Neetu Chalal of India in Barbados last night.

The Bray woman, who is aiming for her third World title in a row, earned an impressive 12-2 verdict over four rounds at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium in Bridgetown.

The 24-year old European and European Union champ, who had her dad, Peter Taylor, and Zuar Antia working her corner, will now meet Adriana Araujo of Brazil in the last-16 on Monday afternoon (local time).

"I was delighted to get this bout out of the way, said Taylor. "She was a really tall and awkward opponent. It's great to get the first win and the Irish crowd here tonight were fantastic and I would like
to thank them for their support. I'm facing another tough one on Monday and all my focus is on that now."

Meantime, Belfast light-welterweight Allana Murphy will also be in action on Monday, versus reigning World champion Gulsum Tatar of Turkey.

The clash is a repeat of last month's European Union duel which Tatar won 4-0.

Women's senior bouts are contested over four, two minute rounds.