Katie Taylor remains the undisputed lightweight champion of the world after a unanimous-decision victory over Karen Carabajal at Wembley Arena in London.
The unheralded 32-year-old Argentinian was a game if outmatched opponent for the Irish superstar, who comfortably retained her IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO belts on a 100-91 99-91 98-92 scoreline and immediately declared her intention to fight at Croke Park next.
Carbajal proved a worthy challenger, but lost for the first time in 20 fights after coming second best in all departments.
Taylor, 36, who recorded the first of her now 22 professional wins at this venue in 2016, showed superior hand speed, footwork and greater accuracy, and pressed home her advantage in the second half of the bout.
Carbajal felt the full weight of Taylor's punches in round five as the Irishwoman’s timing improved and a left-right combination had the South American grimacing.
The Bray woman displayed her full range of skills in the seventh round and underlined her superiority with three more unanswered punches. In the eighth, Carbajal was knocked off balance by two quick left hooks.
Carbajal came out swinging in the penultimate ninth round and was cut on the right side of her face following an accidental clash of heads.
Taylor had the fight won heading into the final round, but in typical fashion chased a grandstand finish as two looping right hands jolted her opponent, who was ultimately outclassed and ended with blood streaming down her face.
"WE WANT THE FIGHT AT CROKE PARK" - @KatieTaylor @Serranosisters 👀#TaylorCarabajal pic.twitter.com/Mgze7EV6tD
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 29, 2022
Speaking to DAZN afterwards, Taylor and her promoter Eddie Hearn targeted her first professional fight on home soil next.
"She [Carabajal] was a tough fighter," said Taylor. "She boxed very awkward at times but I thought I boxed well tonight and I'm delighted to get another victory.
"We want the fight at Croke Park with 80,000 people, that would be the biggest event in women's boxing history."
As to whether the much anticipated homecoming bout would be a rematch of April's epic contest with Amanda Serrano, Hearn said: "Ireland has to be next for Katie Taylor. We hope it's Amanda Serrano but it doesn't matter who it is."
GARY CULLY IN HALF A MINUTE 😱#TaylorCarabajal pic.twitter.com/2kVeL5Rh14
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 29, 2022
Earlier on the card in London, Naas hot prospect Gary Cully underlined his star potential with a knockout win after just 30 seconds.
Lightweight Cully moves to 15-0 after handing Frenchman Jaouad Belmehdi his first career defeat.
There was also a knockout win for Spanish veteran Kiko Martinez (44-11-2), the 36-year-old stopping Jordan Gill in the fourth round to win the European featherweight title for the fifth time.
