Katie Taylor produced arguably her best performance yet in the professional ranks to secure a fourth career victory over Bulgarian opposition, Milena Koleva.

The 30-year-old faced the prospect of going eight rounds for the first time in her professional career, but moved through the fight with ease and looking the fittest of her four outings thus far.

Up against a former world title challenger, there was a noticeable step in quality and despite her best efforts, the Bray native was unable to secure a stoppage.

Taylor claimed top marks in every round, recording a unanimous decision victory with 80-72 on the scorecards.

The opening rounds, Taylor spent most of her time trying to break down the body of her experienced opponent. On occasion she let her left hand slip out and catch Koleva flush on the head.

She came forward again and pushed Koleva back with incredible flurries of punches, demonstrating her astonishing hand speed.

A knock-down in the sixth round spurred Taylor to look for a finish inside the distance, but Koleva weathered a difficult final round.

After the fight, Taylor admitted she would like another two or three fights before she challenges for a world title. Based on tonight's performance, however, she doesn't seem that far away.

Many now expect her to feature on the undercard of heavyweight supremos Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, when they come face-to-face next month in Wembley.