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 def. Sharipova
“She definitely wasn’t tougher than expected – we were definitely well aware of the challenge.
“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.”
Taylor def. Sharipova
There you have it! Taylor wins on points by a pretty comfortable margin on each of the scorecards.
A smart and at times slick showing from the champion, though Sharipova was gutsy throughout.
Taylor def. Sharipova
Katie Taylor def. Firuza Sharipova via unanimous decision (98-92, 97-92, 96-93).
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 10
Sharipova knows she needs a finish and comes forward with a flurry of punches!
Now Taylor responds, but Sharipova grabs her and hangs on.
They separate. Stiff right hand from the champion jars the head of Sharipova as the challenger enters again.
Sharipova tries to pour it on, but Taylor’s head movement is too slick! She fires off strong counters.
The bell sounds, and Taylor will surely remain champion despite a gutsy effort from Sharipova...
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 9
More of the same in this round as Sharipova struggles to get her range right.
Taylor ends the frame with a nice one-two while moving forward, snapping back the head of her challenger.
One more round to go.
Taylor vs Sharipova
Taylor vs Sharipova
Round 8
Slick jab by Taylor, at the request of her corner.
Sharipova hasn’t quite got her range right, firing out right straights but just missing.
She lands a few shots as Taylor shells up. Good head movement by Taylor to roll under a punch, though, before clinching and landing two right hooks to the head.
More of the same shot by Taylor as the round ends.
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