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Katie Taylor in action against Sandra Brugger of Switzerland last month. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Fight night

Show time: Irish boxers ready for historic night against Holland

Katie Taylor is in action tonight in the first women’s boxing international to be staged in Ireland.

KATIE TAYLOR TAKES her next step on the road to London this evening when Holland visit for the first women’s boxing international to be staged in Ireland.

The three-time world champion is up a familiar foe in Dutch lightweight Jessica Belder, one of six bouts between the two countries in Dublin’s National Stadium. The two last touched gloves in Cork last October where Taylor won comfortably, 21-1.

With the only women’s Olympic qualifier set to take place in China in May, tonight’s card will bring some welcome competitive action for the Irish squad. Lynne McEnery, Michaela Walsh, Sarah Close, Claire Grace and Sinead Kavanagh also face Dutch opposition tonight, while Michelle Lynch and Dervla Duffy are up against fighters from Australia and Scotland respectively.

A second international between the two countries takes place on Sunday evening at the Cavan Crystal Hotel.

“This will be the first time that Katie Taylor has boxed in a women’s international at the National Stadium,” IABA President Tommy Murphy said.

“We’ve put together a talented young squad and everyone involved with the sport is looking forward to what will be marvelous occasions. Both sides contain some world class boxers and both internationals promise to be very competitive.”

Boxing begins at 7.30pm tonight. Tickets are available on the door, priced €20 for adults and €10 for children and OAPs.

Ireland v Holland (Friday, 7.30pm)

  • 52Kg: Lynne McEnery (St Pauls) v Alicia Holsken (Holland)
  • 57Kg: Michaela Walsh (Holy Family GG) v Joyce van Ee (Holland)
  • 60Kg: Katie Taylor (Bray) v Jessica Belder (Holland)
  • 64Kg: Sarah Close (Holy Family GG) v Willeke Verdellen (Holland)
  • 69Kg: Claire Grace (Callan) v Lisa de Vilder (Holland)
  • 75Kg: Sinead Kavanagh (Drimnagh) v Nouchka Fontijn (Holland)
  • 54Kg: Michelle Lynch (Golden Gloves) v Bianca Elmir (Australia)
  • 57Kg: Dervla Duffy (Ryston) v Kristen Fraser (Scotland)

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