Katie earns her dues in eight rounds

KATIE TAYLOR recorded her fourth professional win in just over as many months last night, seeing off the challenge of the game but limited Bulgarian Milena Koleva. The former Olympic champion claimed a dominant 80-72 points win in what was her first bout to be scheduled for eight rounds. While Taylor noticeably paced herself at times as the fight went the distance, Koleva was down in the seventh, but the rugged 28-year-old managed to see out the bout. While 30-year-old Taylor (now 40 as a pro) is due out again in London next month, her busy schedule is also set to see her fight in the US this summer. And boxing Hall of Fame promoter Barry Hearn – father of Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie – believes Taylor has potential earning power to rival the sport’s biggest names across the Atlantic. ‘There’s no question she has it,’ said Hearn Sr. ‘But I have to say, I think her big earning power will come in America rather than the UK. ‘Katie Taylor can be a great asset to shows here [in the UK] and I think she makes a big statement in Ireland, but I think in the long term her real future will be in America.’ Taylor claimed a unanimous decision on referee Howard Foster’s card. Her fast hands caused real trouble for her opponent and the underdog was already threatening to fall into survival mode into the fifth. The Bulgarian was down in the seventh after a flurry of punches culminated in a right hook to send Koleva to the canvas.