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.
“I think the next step is a world title contender, and that’s David Avanesyan,” says Bellew.
“It’s the perfect opponent.”
Lee: “The winner of Khan or Brook, that’s massive!
“He’s young, he can wait!”
Bellew clarifies: “Ennis and Ortiz, these are naughty people, you don’t go near them. I think Avanesyan, he beats him right now.
“I don’t think David can keep him off him.
Bellew: “The perfect next fight is Avanesyan. I think he beats him off that performance.
“He’s so dangerous and explosive. The way to beat him is to match him.
“He won’t slow down. I only see two people beating him, they are Errol Spence and Terence Crawford.
“Maybe Ugas because he’s big.”
Conor Benn: “2022, listen, Khan or Brook. Business is business, I’ll have the winner.
“We’ll fight Broner in America, if he don’t want it, I fancy Ugas.
“Liverpool massive!”
Tony Sims: “He grafts hard in the gym, more to come.
“He won’t stop until he gets it right.
“The audience was clapping for his defensive movements. He’s got everything in his locker.
“He’s still improving. I’m excited about the journey.”
Eddie Hearn: “It wasn’t just the win, it was the performance.
“The job is to position him for a world title fight in the most difficult division in boxing.
“Let’s get him ready to swim with the sharks.
“It was everything, he’s a well-rounded fighter and a start. He’ll box all over the world.
“He deserves a lot of credit. He’s stepping out of those shadows. He’ll be welterweight world champion in 2022.”
Nigel Benn on his son: “You’re not in my shadow. After tonight, I watched him do 12 four-minute rounds, sparring, altitude training.
“He ticked every single box.
“Unbelievable, he’s going all the way.”
Conor Benn: I silenced all the doubters
Conor Benn: “I silenced all the doubters. The next fight is going to be a test?
“They’re not tests. Every time I say they’re not, it’s confidence. Nobody has done that to Algieri.
“What more do I have to do?
“I’m a top world level athlete. I didn’t expect nothing else. I work extremely hard.
“If they want to come and have a fight. That’s what happens. Granados didn’t come to win.
“It was so frustrating. I hope the yanks now, I’m coming for them.”
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