The Ireland Squad arrived home from the 7th AIBA World Women’s Championships in China on Sunday.

 

Four-time World champion Katie Taylor and the Irish squad returned home from China to a joyous reception at Dublin Airport last evening.

Taylor claimed her fourth successive AIBA World 60kg title following an 11-7 decision over Russian southpaw Sofya Ochigava in Qinhuangdao on Saturday and also secured qualification for the 2012 Olympic
Games.

The Bray BC lightweight also won the Best Boxer award at the 70-nation tournament.

Saturday’s win was Taylor’s 13th major top of the podium finish.

She has claimed an astonishing four World, five European and four European Union titles since 2005.

Taylor and the Irish team of Ceire Smith and Sinead Kavanagh finished in 5th spot in the medals table and in 11th position in the rankings table in Qinhuangdao.

Cavan BC flyweight Smith won two contests at the 7th AIBA World Women’s Championships and Drimnagh BC middleweight Kavanagh produced a fine performance in her bout.

Smith was beaten by Poland’s former World and European champion, Anna Karolina Michalczuk, in the last-16.

Michalczuk qualified for the London Olympics and also won bronze in Qinhuangdao.

Twelve boxers will compete in lightweight class at the London Olympics. Eight, including Taylor, qualified in Qinhuangdao. The remaining four will be chosen by the Tripartite Commission.

The four invitation places will go to Africa, America, Asia and Europe.

Below pictures courtesy of Michael Hade (IABA).