IRELAND’S Katie Taylor has made a successful third defence of her IBF and WBA lightweight titles after a comfortable victory against Eva Wahlstrom at Madison Square Garden.
The Irishwoman maintained her undefeated record with ease and now has 12 wins from her professional fights after a unanimous points decision.
Considered the most challenging contest of her career, it was Taylor’s first time fighting at one of boxing’s most famous venues, but there was no sign of any nerves as she dominated all 10 rounds.
Two belts to collect in 2019 #TaylorWahlstrom#CaneloRockypic.twitter.com/E4mXcP0NYw
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 16, 2018
The 32-year-old made a good start, frustrating her Finnish opponent with a number of body and head shots and causing damage to her opponent’s eye and nose in the first round.
Wahlstrom, the long-standing WBC super-featherweight champion, stepped up for the contest in New York, but struggled to connect her punches and was unable to extend her own undefeated record.
By round eight, Taylor had the Finnish fighter against the ropes as blood gushed from a cut on Wahlstrom’s head. The 38-year held on to the end of the fight but Taylor emerged the convincing winner, winning 100-90 on all the judges’ scorecards.
Speaking after the fight, Taylor said she was happy with her performance before turning her attention to next year.
“I thought it was a great performance, she came here to win so I knew it would be a great fight. Stoppages are hard to get against quality opponents, I’m very happy,” she told Sky Sports.
Referring to Rose Volante, Delfine Persoon, Amanda Serrano and Cecilia Braekhus, she added: “I want all four of them next year.”
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