Taylor prepares to take on Queen

Boxing:Katie Taylor's inexorable march towards another world title gathered pace last night as the Irish boxer secured a place in the semi-finals. After comfortably seeing off Anastasia Balyakova, Taylor will now meet Queen Underwood of the USA in the last four.

The Bray woman, who is aiming for her third AIBA world title in succession, produced another scintillating performance at the Garfield Sports Complex in Barbados as she claimed a 16-1 verdict against the Russian lightweight Belyakova.

A steady start saw Taylor open a 3-0 lead which she soon stretched to 8-1 at the end of the second round. The 24-year-old pressed home her advantage in the last, leaving her opponent requiring two standing eight counts as she finished 15 points to the good.

Already guaranteed a bronze, Taylor will have nothing to fear from Underwood, an opponent she has she has beaten comprehensively in the past. Today is a rest day at the championships in Bridgetown. Taylor will meet Underwood tomorrow evening and the finals will be held Saturday.

Despite her impressive record, Taylor’s coach and father, Peter, won’t be taking anything for granted against Underwood.

“This is the world championships and anything can happen. Boxers can raise their game and Underwood has improved a lot since she last met Katie in Ireland,” he said.

“We have a day off and we will study the videos and do our homework. Katie was magnificent against the Russian girl. She’s growing into the tournament and if she boxes like she did against the Russian girl then I can’t see anyone stopping her.

“She has beaten the American twice in the past, but this is a new

chapter now and past results will mean nothing.”