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.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan
Khatchatryan moving to his left, jabbing upstairs and down.
Cordina now on the front foot and ripping shots into the body with the Belgian on the ropes.
Good activity from Khatchatryan, he puts two and three-punch combinations together, but they’re mostly off the back foot and more an annoyance than placing Cordina in much danger.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan
Cordina looking calm and confident so far through two rounds.
And Katie Taylor is in the house, she’ll be fighting Sharipova after this one and Davies Jr vs Lundy is finished.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan
Joe Cordina is back and takes on unbeaten Belgian Miko Khatchatryan, both fighters are in the ring now.
The WBA Continental super featherweight title is on the line.
Benn vs Algieri: Andy Lee opens up on ‘The Destroyer’
“He’s going to have to pin Algieri down,” Andy
“Algieri can fight off the ropes, he’s got his hands full tonight.
“It’s a phenomenal rise. He works extremely hard, this is the fruits of his labour.
“I won’t be surprised if he loses, if he gets the win it’ll be a good result for him.”
Conor Benn: I believe 2022 is my time to take on world champions
Conor Benn says: “I want to be No 1. What you see is what you get. The minute you start conforming, it's who I am, if you're everybody's cup of tea, you're a mug.
“There's a lot more left for me to prove. I'm knocking on the door for a world title. I believe 2022 is my time to take on world champions. I'm preparing for a prime Chris Algieri.
“It’s going to be a Christmas cracker.”
Peter McGrail: I have the same ability as world champions
“To have my first two fights in Liverpool, a brilliant performance. Everything I've worked on in the gym is coming off. It's a great night for my family.
“I’ve set myself up nicely for a bigger 2022.
“I believe in myself, I have the same ability as world champions, it’s about building up the rounds and experience.
“I believe I could get in with world champions with the right amount of experience.”
Benn vs Algieri undercard: McGrail vs Gomez
A big knockdown, McGrail outclassing Gomez and sends him to the canvas.
Beautiful boxing from the Liverpudlian. The ref saves Gomez from any more damage.
McGrail nicked up on his left eye. That’s his first stoppage as a pro.
A one-two left Gomez flat out on his back.
Benn vs Algieri undercard: McGrail vs Gomez
Here’s Peter McGrail, he walks to the ring to Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight.
He looks confident, this could be one of the stars of the next 10 years in British boxing.
Gomez (8-3-1), fighting out of Nicaragua, will hope to frustrate the Liverpudlian.
Chris Algieri keen to experience English atmosphere, warns Conor Been about stepping up
Chris Algieri says: “Be careful wanting to step up. Everybody thinks they're ready until they're not. I've always wanted to fight in England, I'm looking forward to it.
“It'll be roof coming down kind of stuff. It's an opportunity and a feeling I'm looking forward to.”
Agyarko TKO Larios Jr
Agyarko dished out just enough punishment there and forces the referee to jump in and save Larios Jr.
Might have been a touch early, but the American had no hope of winning.
Good work from the Irishman, tidy finish with some spiteful shots.
A big left forced Larios Jr to stagger into the ropes, nothing much followed up but you could sense the end was near.
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