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Katie Taylor scores scintillating stoppage on Haye-Bellew PPV undercard

Katie Taylor put on another electrifying performance on a big Matchroom bill tonight.

Last time out she featured on the Anthony Joshua v Eric Molina undercard, and found herself on another pay-per-view bill here.

Appearing prominently on the David Haye v Tony Bellew heavyweight grudge match undercard at the O2 Arena in London, Taylor destroyed former Italian title challenger Monica Gentili.

Gentili was a late replacement for recent world title challenger Milena Kovleva, and was no match for the Bray lightweight, being stopped in the fifth round.

In a one-sided fight, Taylor began confidently, landing combinations at will from the off.

This would continue into the second, with Taylor’s left hooks to the body being particularly impressive.

The Irishwoman upped the tempo in the third, and Gentili began to show signs of wilting.

The stoppage seemingly looked inevitable, but the pace would drop in the fourth, although Taylor remained in firm control.

If the dip in the fourth had people worried it may be another points win for the Wicklow woman, the fifth was an entirely different story, with Taylor sending Gentili to the canvas with a flurry of punches which she would not recover from.

The win sees Taylor improve her flawless record to 3(2)-0, while Gentili drops to 6(1)-7(2).

Next up for Taylor looks to be another high profile undercard appearance on the Jorge Linares v Anthony Crolla bill at the Manchester Arena on Saturday March 25th. However, this is not yet confirmed. What is confirmed is a slot on the massive Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko pay-per-view undercard at Wembley Arena on Saturday April 29th.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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