Twin gold medals for Ireland from Taylor and O’Reilly

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Two Irish boxers have taken home gold medals at the European Games in Baku.

Irish boxer Katie Taylor won the Women’s Lightweight Championship, while fellow Irishman Michael O’Reilly produced a major upset in his bout against favourite Xaybula Musalov in the men’s middleweight final.

Taylor beat French opponent Estelle Mossely to win her 18th gold medal in international competition.

After a split decision in the first round, Taylor dominated the remainder of the fight to win on a unanimous decision.

O’Reilly, meanwhile, won a surprise first round, before losing the second on all cards. Two tired fighters entered the final round, with O’Reilly clinching the judges’ votes in a tight and hard-fought battle.

In the end, however, the Portlaoise native won by unanimous decision.

O’Reilly’s victory followed his walkthrough in yesterday’s semi-final, after his opponent, Maxim, Koptyakov, was unable to proceed with the fight.

It means Ireland finish third on the medal table for boxing after Katie Taylor’s gold earlier.