Taylor wins European title
Saturday, 9 September 2006 18:27Irish boxing sensation Katie Taylor was celebrating today after she won her second Women's European Senior Championship gold medal on the trot after a stunning performance in Poland.
Taylor from the St Fergal's Club in Bray, Co Wicklow, stopped the reigning World Champion, Tatyana Chalaya from Russia, on the 15-point rule (18-3) in the second round of their lightweight (60Kg) contest in Warsaw.
The 19-year-old, who had father Peter was in her corner, is now being tipped to go all the way in next year's World Championship.
Commentating on the win Irish boxing chief Gary Keegan said that they were absolutely thrilled with the victory.
He said: 'Katie has proved in Poland that she is the top boxer in the world in her weight category and this win ranks up there with the great sporting achievements of Irish athletes in any sport.
'To put it into perspective not only did she successfully defend her European title, but she also beat the world champion to do it and totally outclassed her into the bargain.
'We were expecting it to be a tough close contest today but Katie simply blew here opponent away.She has done here country proud in Poland and we are absolutely thrilled with this victory.
Keegan was also full of praise for proud dad Peter Taylor, who has coached his talented daughter to four classy victories in Poland this week.
Keegan added, 'Peter has worked extremely hard with Katie and our other boxers over the last few years.
'This is a proud moment for him and everyone in the Irish Amateur Boxing Association shares in that pride and celebrates a truly remarkable victory.'
