Irish lightweight Katie Taylor is just one fight away from retaining her European 60kg title for a third year on the trot following an impressive semi-final victory over southpaw Yana Zavyalona this afternoon.
Taylor took the opening two rounds against the Ukrainian (4-0, 6-1), before being handed an 11-4 verdict at the end of the third and final round.
The St Fergal's, Bray woman will now meet Switzerland's Sandra Brugger, who edged out Russia's Ayzanat Gadzhieva 8-6 in the other semi, in Saturday’s final in Vejle, Denmark.
Taylor, the reigning world lightweight champion, convincingly beat Brugger in a challenge match in her home town of Bray last summer, and says she is confident going into the final.
She said: 'I am thrilled will today's win and I am looking forward to the final with Brugger. I felt I boxed very well today and I'm feeling very confident. I came out here to retain my title and that will be my target on Saturday.'
The four points Taylor conceded against Yavyalova- who is ranked 11th in the world and 8th in Europe - were the only points the world number one has dropped in the 6th Women's European Championships so far.
Today's semi-final was also the first time that Taylor, who is now guaranteed at least a silver medal, has had to go the distance to record a victory.
There will be a rest day tomorrow before the Championships conclude with finals in all weight categories on Saturday afternoon.
