Katie Taylor vs Firuza Sharipova LIVE: Result, latest reaction and updates
Follow all the fallout from Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena
Katie Taylor retained her four lightweight titles on Saturday night, beating Firuza Sharipova via unanimous decision.
After 10 rounds of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, the scorecards read 98-92, 97-92, 96-93 in favour of the Irishwoman, who remains undefeated at 20-0. Eyeing a monumental meeting with featherweight queen Amanda Serrano, there was no room for error for Taylor as she took on an opponent who had previously lost just once – in her professional debut in 2016. Indeed, Sharipova was gutsy and looked to make things rough throughout – even being docked a point for a punch off the break – but the Kazakhstani could not match Taylor’s hand speed, superior footwork and head movement.
“She definitely wasn’t tougher than expected, we were well aware of the challenge,” Taylor said of Sharipova after being announced as the winner – and still undisputed lightweight champion. “We were prepared for a tough fight. She was very scrappy inside, it was hard to get [punches] off. Still undisputed, still undefeated, so I can’t complain.” The former Olympic, world and European amateur champion also acknowledged a possible showdown with Serrano, who fights next weekend, as “the biggest fight in female boxing”. The victory capped off a fine 2021 for Taylor, who has also beaten Natasha Jonas and Jennifer Han this year.
Follow the fallout from Taylor vs Sharipova below.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 6
It’s the right side of Sharipova’s face that is reddened, above and under the eye.
She pushes forward but struggles to catch the champion, whose superior speed is on show again.
Sharipova lands a punch as the referee separates the pair from a clinch, and he docks the Kazakhstani a point! Perhaps a bit harsh – a warning might have sufficed.
It fires up Sharipova, who goes on the offensive against Taylor, but the champion stays sharp to land smart counters.
Another left hook to the body by Taylor. Lots of feints, too.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 5
Sharipova with a left hook to the body, then a clinch. The challenger is trying to make it rough.
Uppercuts and hooks from Sharipova in close, but she’s sporting some damage to the face.
Another nice counter left hook from Taylor after the opponents separate. Now a big left hand! The best shot of the fight so far.
Taylor with a great end to the round after a fine start to the frame by Sharipova.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 4
Jab to the body from Sharipova, but Taylor responds with a quick left-right.
A powerful right hand punishes the challenger, then another! Taylor seems to be growing in confidence here.
Sharipova clinches a couple of times, trying to wear down the champion.
The pair separate, and Sharipova catches Taylor with a good counter shoot as the Irishwoman steps in.
“Hands up,” Taylor is told by her corner, as Sharipova steps in late in the round.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 3
An exhibition in clean footwork here from Taylor, who sets up a harsh left hook to the body.
She catches Sharipova with a fierce counter right straight, too, as the challenger steps in!
Taylor maintains her promising start.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 2
A stiff jab from Sharipova after some solid combinations from Taylor, which backed up the Kazakhstani.
A strong right hand from Sharipova now! Taylor hooks to the body then the head off opposite sides.
Nice left straight from the champion. She pushes forward, staying on the front foot.
The Irishwoman has likely taken the first two rounds.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 1
The women trade jabs early, Sharipova going to the body. She looks to string some overhand rights on the end.
Taylor lands a wide left hook, then a slick flurry – a trio of swift strikes! She looks much quicker than her challenger.
Sharipova clinches and lands a nice uppercut in close.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Boos as Sharipova is introduced. Cheers for Taylor.
Ten rounds for the undisputed women’s lightweight championship of the world.
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