Ireland's Katie Taylor has won Olympic gold by defeating Russia's Sofya Ochigava in the final of the women's lightweight division.

It was a rather cautious start from both fighters as they waited for an opening. The first round ended level at 2-2, but it was Ochigava who got the better of the second.

The Russian's greater accuracy saw her land a decent left hook, which helped her edge in front 4-3.

That shocked the Irishwoman into action and she stepped up a gear in the third, winding up and delivering with precision. By the time the bell sounded to end the round, she had reversed the scores to hold a two-point advantage.

Taylor moved well in the fourth round and boxed clever. Ochigava came forward, launching with the left. However, she found Taylor a hard target to pin down.

The judges awarded Taylor the gold medal courtesy of a 10-8 decision.