Published Thursday, 09 August 2012
Katie Taylor was fighting in the light 60kg final. (© Getty)
She has secured her place in history as Katie is the first female Olympic champion in her division.
She beat 25-year-old Russian contender Sofya Ochigava, 10 points to 8.
But she had to work hard for the win amid an extraordinary atmosphere at London's Excel.
The Irish fans could not be missed as the crowds roared in support of the Bray boxer.
Taylor set about business in her usual way, pushing forward and flinging right hooks at Ochigava, a tough, two-time former world silver medallist.
But it soon became clear Taylor was in for a test as the Russian matched Taylor's strength inside and clinched up close to prevent the overwhelming Irish favourite from getting off her usual array of big shots.
Taylor's frustrations continued in the second, which Ochigava edged to take a 4-3 lead at the halfway stage, but the champion fighter stayed patient and scored with a right to the Russian's chin and a superb countering left which turned the fight her way.
Heading into the last round with a 7-5 lead, Taylor still had a fight on her hands as the Russian muscled forward, landing two clean rights, making the wait for the verdict a surprisingly anxious one for Taylor and her fans.
The Bray boxer won the world championship final between the two earlier in the year, by 11 points to seven, gaining her fourth world gold.
She secured her place in the Olympic final after winning the semi-final against Mayzuna Chorieva of Tajikistan on Wednesday, 17-9.
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, said people have been united by Taylor's bid for Olympic gold.
He said: "The entire of Ireland has been united behind Katies bid for Olympic gold. This evening's performance in the Excel Arena in London has lifted the spirits of our nation.
"I want to wish Katie and her family our congratulations and thanks.
"All eyes now turn to JJ, Paddy and Micheal who over the next few days will seek to join Katie as an Olympic Gold medallist."
Women's boxing was only added to the sports included at the games three years ago.
Katie Taylor adds a gold medal to Ireland's only other medal, a bronze in showjumping by Cian O'Connor.