Dominant Katie Taylor scores bludgeoning stoppage in Wembley world title eliminator

Katie Taylor moved one step closer to a world title this evening as her rapid ascent through the ranks continued on the biggest of stages.

The Wicklow lightweight fought in a WBA world title eliminator on the undercard of the massive Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight title clash at Wembley Stadium, scoring a dominant win over Nina Meinke and picking up a first pro belt in the process.

While the prestige of the WBA Inter-Continental title may not be huge, it now puts Taylor well on course for a shot at the title currently held by Uruguayan Cecilia Comunales later this year.

While Meinke had a decent amateur background and some good backing in Germany, it was one way traffic in London tonight with Taylor holding an advantage in weight and skill.

Fighting a southpaw for the first time in her pro career, it was a cagey opener for Taylor and immediately apparent that she was facing the toughest opponent of her paid career thus far.

The fight opened up somewhat in the second as Meinke sought to throw more punches, although Taylor found a home for some sharp counters.

While Taylor had previously drawn plaudits for the left hook to the body, it was the short right hook upstairs which was catching the eye here as Taylor asserted her dominance in the third.

Meinke, whose face was reddened by this stage, was becoming increasingly ragged in the fourth as Taylor began landing almost at will.

The fifth saw a cut open up over the left eye of Meinke following an accidental clash of heads, and the Berliner seemed to be on her last legs as the round drew to a close.

Taylor was stalking Meinke as the bout entered its second half as the German reverted into full survival mode.

The fight was finally brought to a halt in the seventh round as Meinke, whose face was a swollen and bloody mess at that stage, was pulled out by referee Howard Foster as the barrages kept coming from Taylor.

The win tonight sees Taylor improve her perfect professional record to to 5(3)-1(0), while Meinke suffers her first loss as a pro and drops to 5(2)-1(1).

A Summer fight date in America has been mooted as the next step for Taylor who remains on course to fight for world honours in Dublin this November.