Katie Taylor has paid tribute to Miriam Gutierrez after the Spaniard somehow withstood the undisputed lightweight champion's barrage of punches and stayed upright for 10 gruelling two-minute rounds.
The result at Wembley Arena was never beyond doubt for the Pride of Bray, but when she knocked Gutierrez to the canvas at the end of the fourth round, most observers were sure either the referee or her corner would have to intervene.
In the end, Taylor moved to 17-0 via a unanimous points decision, inflicting a first professional defeat on her outclassed, but brave, opponent.
"I threw everything but the kitchen sink at her. I just couldn't get her out of there," said Taylor afterwards.
"She's tough as nails so credit to her. She hung in and she was there to fight until the very end. She's obviously big and strong and that showed tonight."
Taylor flew out of her corner for the first round and stunned Gutierrez with a flurry of combinations.
"I thought it was important for me to stamp my authority right from the first round. She hadn't fought outside of Spain and was out of the ring for a year," said Taylor.
"I thought it would be good to start fast. I thought I was going to get her out of there at one stage. She hung in there and she kept swinging shots. She was actually very dangerous when she was swinging shots. I had to be a bit more cautious later on in the fight. Overall it was a great performance."
Despite her utter domination of the lightweight ranks, Taylor has only recorded six stoppages in her 17 fights to date.
"Obviously I would have loved to get a stoppage in there tonight. I haven't got a stoppage in a long time. It is hard to hurt these girls, they're very strong and durable.
"I did everything that I could to get the stoppage but she hung in and I have to be happy with a points win.
"I'm going home with all of the belts and I'm still the undisputed champion. I'm still unbeaten and this is a great end to the year."
