KATIE TAYLOR TOOK another step towards her fifth successive lightweight title at the European Women’s Boxing Championships with a comprehensive victory over Romina Marenda this afternoon.
The Bray lightweight was clinical en route to her 22-3 win against the Italian in Rotterdam, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Ayzanat Hajiyeva of Azerbaijan tomorrow.
With seven of Ireland’s eight fighters due in the ring today, there was disappointment for Lynne McEnery and Katie Rowland.
McEnery raced into an early lead in her light-flyweight bout against Lynsey Holdaway of Wales before losing narrowly 12-11, while reigning European Union gold medallist Nicola Adams proved too hot to handle for Rowland, retiring the Geesala flyweight in the second round.
Ceire Smith, Kelly Harrington, Michaela Walsh and Sinead Kavanagh are all involved in last 16 contests this afternoon.
However, Kilkenny’s Laura O’Neill has already guaranteed her place in the light-heavyweight quarter-finals after she received a bye. She’ll face Tinea Naga of Hungary tomorrow.