Ireland’s most accomplished amateur boxer Katie Taylor lost to Azerbaijan‘s Yana Alekseevna via decision in Turkey today in a European semi-final Olympic qualifier.

It was the Bray woman’s first defeat in five years. A victory would have sealed her place in the Rio Olympics.

But the defending Olympic gold medalist can still guarantee her trip to Brazil. She will have to reach the semi-final of next month’s World Championships in Astana.

Prestigious boxing coach Zaur Antia was in the 29 year old’s corner for the bout.

Katie Taylor’s record now stands at 165-8.

So although this is a setback, she will still be a favourite to secure her flight to Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Photo Credit: www.the42.ie