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GIRL POWER: A young supporter cheers on Taylor in Bray yesterday. INPHO/Donall Farmer

Katie Taylor out to inspire next generation of women boxers

“Hopefully there are a lot of young girls sitting at home watching this, and they will realise this is what they can work towards.”

FOUR-TIME WORLD champion Katie Taylor wants to inspire more girls to box after reaching the Olympic women’s lightweight final where she’ll bid to win Ireland’s first gold of the Games.

The 26-year-old, who carried Ireland’s flag at the opening ceremony, had few problems in yesterday’s 17-9 semi-final win over Tajikistan’s Mavzuna Chorieva and will now face Russia’s Sofya Ochigava for the gold medal today.

“I think I am in heaven right now,” said Taylor. ”Hopefully there are a lot of young girls sitting at home watching this, and they will realise this is what they can work towards.”

Today will be a rematch of May’s world championships final bout from Qinhuangdao, China, when Taylor captured her fourth title after a 11-7 victory over Ochigava.

“I am glad it is tomorrow afternoon and there is no delay. I need to get myself ready, have a good night’s sleep and focus,” she said.

- © AFP, 2012

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