Katie Taylor has one glove in Rio with comprehensive last 16 victory proving she’s back to her best

Ship steadied

Darragh Murphy

Katie Taylor has one glove in Rio with comprehensive last 16 victory proving she’s back to her best

“There’s only one Katie Taylor!”

That’s the song that rang around Barys Arena as the Bray boxer continued her pursuit of the chance to defend her Olympic crown.

In Taylor’s path on Monday stood Dayana Sanchez but the Argentine was no match for the hand speed and aggression of Taylor who decisively claimed every round on the scorecards of all judges.

The victory means Taylor is now in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Championship in Kazakhstan and, with another win, she’s guaranteed her place in Rio.

Taylor’s nose was bloodied once more, just as it was in her last 32 victory over Agnes Alexisson, but it was no issue for the 29-year-old who got her work done early and eased to yet another win, proving that her blip at the European Olympic Qualifiers last month was no more than a speed bump.

She’s back on track!

#AIBAstana2016 Results:
Katie TAYLOR (IRL) WP 3:0 vs Dayana SANCHEZ (ARG)#Superwomen #RoadToRio @IABABOXING @KatieTaylor

— IBA (@IBA_Boxing) May 23, 2016

Katie Taylor joined Grainne Walsh and Kellie Harrington in the quarter-finals of the 9th AIBA World Women’s Elite… https://t.co/wYmSLW7TsM

— IABA (@IABABOXING) May 23, 2016

@KatieTaylor looked back to her frighteningly good self again today! Speed and Power!! #GoldenGirl

— Jamie Conlan (@JamieConlan11) May 23, 2016

And @KatieTaylor powers into World 1/4 final. 2 goods opening rounds making things comfortable in 2nd half of fight.

— Darren O'Neill OLY (@DarrenONeillOLY) May 23, 2016