Katie Taylor got the defence of her European title off to a perfect start in Bucharest in the European Boxing Championships with a unanimous win over Switzerland's Sandra Brugger.
The preliminary round win puts the European, World and Olympic champion into the quarter-finals of the tournament, where she will face Romanian hopeful Lavina Mera.
The Bray fighter opened the first round in impressive fashion and never looked back after a stunning right hand caught Brugger midway through the opening two minutes, forcing the referee to intervene and give the Swiss a standing count.
The fight was never in doubt, Taylor’s jab and particularly her backhand were devastating and although she brought the tempo down in the fourth round, there was no doubt about the outcome.
There was a mixture of relief in getting her first fight finished and staisfaction that her opening in Romania had gone so well.
“Yeah, it is actually great to get the first one down it’s always tough,” said Taylor after the fight. “It’s the same for all the big competitions, to get those four rounds down so I’m delighted with the win.
“It’s just great to get it over with. There is no replacement for competition and there’s always a bit of nerves but I’m pleased to have come out with the win and I’m pleased with my performance.”
Michaela Walsh also advanced in the 54kg with a preliminary round win over Helina Bruyevigh from Belarus. Like lightweight Taylor, the Belfast boxer also won on all the judges cards making Ireland's opening day of boxing two wins from two.
