Sunday 30 July 2017 11:52, UK
Katie Taylor has edged nearer to challenging for a world title after stopping Jasmine Clarkson on her American debut at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn.
Taylor dazzled on her way to a third round finish, becoming the first fighter to stop 22-year-old Clarkson and improves her unbeaten record to 6-0 as a professional.
Ireland's 2012 Olympic gold medal winner was razor-sharp from the first bell to the eventual end of the fight, beating Clarkson to the punch throughout.
The lightweight star came out of the blocks firing, landing ferocious right hands in the opening minutes of the contest as Clarkson quickly appeared outclassed.
The spiteful punches continued to land in the second round as Taylor's combinations regularly breached the high-guard defence of the Texas opponent.
With very little coming back, Taylor replaced quantity with quality in the third, landing devastating left hooks to both the head and body.
The referee decided that the brave American had taken enough punishment and waved off the contest before the fourth stanza could commence leaving Taylor a step closer to a dream world title shot.
Speaking to Sky Sports after her victory, Taylor said: "It was a great experience, first fight over here, had a lot of nerves but I thought I handled it well, good to get the stoppage.
There are things I definitely need to improve on. I didn't really catch her with any significant big shots but the constant pressure forced the stoppage.
"The experience here has been great and the reception was fantastic, I hope it's the first of many fights over here.
"I feel like I'm ready for a world title shot, it's definitely going to be an exciting few months for me, and I am also looking forward to boxing at home in Ireland soon."
