(OCT 20) Irish World and back-to-back European lightweight champion Katie Taylor was crowned European 60Kg
champion for the third year on the trot following an emphatic inside the distance victory over Sandra Brugger in Vejle Denmark this afternoon.

Taylor, from the St Fergal's club in Bray County Wicklow, stopped her Swiss opponent on the 15 point rule in round two to claim an historic third gold medal in a row for Ireland.

The 15 point rule obliges the referee to stop a contest automatically (except in the final round) once a boxer gains a fifteen point advantage.  Women's bouts last for three two minute rounds.

Taylor, who was 8-0 up at the bell for the end of the first round, admitted that her win hasn't sunk in yet.

She said: "It will probably take a while for it to sink in. I am over the moon with the victory and I would like to thank everyone for all the support I have received out here this week."

Taylor's coach and dad, Peter Taylor, was also thrilled with the win.

He said: "I think the final score speaks for itself and you can't do any better than that to tell the truth.  Katie boxed exceptionally well out here all week and she has only conceded four points throughout the tournament which is a fantastic achievement."

"It is a very proud achievement to have won this title three times in a row and we are absolutely thrilled."

Taylor, who is a member of the Irish Amateur Boxing Associations High Performance Unit, registered an
amazing 49 points in her four fights in Denmark and conceded just four.

The 21 year old Irish woman, ranked number one in the World and Europe, is also in the running for the boxer of the tournament award at the 6th Women's European Championships in Denmark. The award winner will be announced later this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Taylor is due to arrive home from Denmark via Dublin Airport tomorrow (Sunday October 21st) at 4pm. All media are invited to attend tomorrows homecoming.

Stock images of Katie are available reproduction fee free from Sportsfile www.sportsfile.com or 01-4547400.
 
Irish Team and Management in Denmark

Boxer: Katie Taylor
Coaches: Peter Taylor & Pat Ryan
Team Manager: Anne Moore
R&J: Al Morris
Chairman of the EABA Technical Delegate: Brendan O'Connaire
Secretary of the European Women's Commission: Sadie Duffy


6th Women's European Championships Preliminary Result: October 16th Vejle Denmark

60Kg: Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Hristina Athanasopoulou (Greece) RSCO2 (15-0)

6th European Women's Championships Quarter Final Result: October 17th Vejle Denmark

60Kg:Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Mc de la Guia Guerra (Spain) KO1
(Taylor was 8-0 up before she knocked out her opponent in the first)

6th European Women's Championships Semi Final Result: October 18th Vejle Denmark

60Kg:Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Yana Zavyalova (Ukraine) (4-0,6-1) (11-4)

6th European Women's Championships Final Result: October 20th Vejle Denmark

60Kg: Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Sandra Brugger (Switzerland) RSCO2 (15-0)
(Taylor was 8-0 up and the end of Round One)

*RSCO2: Ref Stops Contest Outscored Round Two