Irish boxer Katie Taylor has praised the support she has received on the way to her Olympic gold medal bout against Sofya Ochigava.

Taylor has acted as the main trailblazer throughout the Olympic debut of women's boxing so far, and hopes to inspire other women to take up the sport.

"It's amazing to box for the gold medal tomorrow. I wouldn't mind the day off, but that's just because I'm lazy. I have trouble getting sleep before a big fight but I'll still manage to get a couple of hours in," said Taylor.

"The support has been incredible. Hopefully there will be a lot of young girls sitting at home watching this, and they will realise that this is something they can work towards. It is amazing for women's boxing."

Taylor's opponent Ochigava tonight hinted that she believes the Irishwoman receives unfair favouritism from judges.