Katie Taylor began the defence of her World Title today and secured a first victory over Kezial Valerian Spicer this morning.  The Irish champion won her opening bout when she sealed a convincing victory to earn a spot in the last 16 of the competition. In a tense opening round, there wasn’t much breathing room between the pair, but Katie came flying out of the traps in the second round delivering a number of body blows that Spicer was just unable to defend. In what was a tactical and well-fought match, Spicer put up a strong and determined fight against the Irish star, but Taylor - who is aiming to secure her fifth world title at the competition - kept her cool and composure. The final round saw Spicer continue to try and chase the Olympic champion as she desperately tried to regain the difference in points, but a ducking and weaving Taylor was unstoppable. Now fans are looking ahead in the competition following the news earlier this week that world number one Katie was placed in the same half of the draw as world number two, Sofya Ochigava of Russia – one of her main rivals. It is reported that the two will be expected to go head-to-head in the quarter final of the competition – a repeat of the unforgettable match between the pair in the Olympic final. Taylor's next bout is scheduled for early Thursday morning (Irish time). Her win follows Belfast's Michaela Walsh's win over Sarah Joy Rae early this morning. Walsh now faces Anna Alimardanova from Azerbaijan in her third round bantamweight bout. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4JkIa0i1VY&feature=youtu.be