Olympics: Irish finalist Taylor out to inspire women boxers

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 Wednesday's 17-9 semi-final win over Tajikistan's Mavzuna Chorieva and will now face Russia's Sofya Ochigava for the gold medal.

"I think I am in heaven right now," said Taylor, who is also a Republic of Ireland football international.

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

Thursday 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.

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