Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon fight result: Irish boxer battles to brutal but controversial victory
Irishwoman defeats Persoon by majority decision to add the WBC title to the WBO, IBF and WBA championships she already holds
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Your support makes all the difference.Katie Taylor claimed a controversial and brutal victory over Delfine Persoon to become the undisputed lightweight champion.
In what was a full-blooded and at times barbaric affair, Taylor and Persoon left nothing in the tank as they finished the fight out on their feet, having produced arguably the best 10 rounds of women's boxing ever seen.
But when the scores went to the judges, it was Taylor who was left celebrating as she took a majority decision via scorecards of 116-114, 116-114 and 115-115 to claim the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight championships. Persoon on the other hand was distraught with the decision and immediately left the ring in tears. Re-live all the action below.
Fight preview:
When and where is the boxing?
Tonight's main event ring walk times are expected around 3.30am UK time, and 10.30pm ET. The fight night takes place at Madison Square Garden, New York City.
Taylor's fight is third-last on the card, and shouldn’t start any earlier than 1am.
Where can I watch it?
If you're in the UK, it'll be on Sky Sports Box Office at a price of £19.95, and in the US on DAZN.
What is the full fight card?
It's a stacked one.
- Souleymane Cissoko bt Wladimir Hernandez
- Chris Algieri bt Tommy Coyle
- Joshua Buatsi vs Marc Antonio Periban
- Josh Kelly vs Ray Robinson
- Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon
- Callum Smith vs Hassan N'Dam
- Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz
What are the odds?
Joshua to win: 1/25
Ruiz to win: 10/1
Andy Ruiz speaking after his victory
I want to thank God for giving me this victory. Without him, this wouldn't be possible. I feel so good, I can't believe I just made my dreams come true. I want to thank my whole team. The sky is the limit baby!
Andy Ruiz speaking after his victory
That was my first time getting knocked down, I just wanted it so bad. I have that Mexican blood in me, talk about that Mexican style? I got it. I didn't want to throw everything I got, I wanted to hunt him down. We pulled it off. [On the rematch], of course man! I just want to celebrate. I just made history. This is what I've been dreaming about since I was six-years-old.
Eddie Hearn
AJ got sloppy. It's a massive upset but tonight belongs to Andy Ruiz. We'll make the rematch in November, December in the UK. At least we know who the next opponent is. He looked flat, got hit on the top of the head. It was an incredible third round, a great fight. He'll learn a lot from this, it's a massive blow for him. Maybe this is what he needs. It's a must-win fight now. AJ has to rebuild, come back stronger and let the fire burn inside him. Tonight goes down as a huge upset. He's a true, true warrior. He will be devastated when this sinks in.
Anthony Joshua
Boxing's a tough sport. I trained hard, stayed dedicated. It'll be interesting to see how he does. Fighter at heart, boxer by trade. He done well, everyone's come out to a good night of boxing. When your legs are all over the gaff you try to stabilise your mind. With me, they can't box with me so they just look for the big shots. We put together a strong team and I'm the first to take a loss. We'll bounce back. I've got to get that solid armoury. Congratulations to him, every fighter deserves respect. I respect every fighter. This is part of the legacy and story, I look forward to seeing where I went wrong. He's the champ for now. I shall return.
Anthony Joshua is waved off after being knocked down no fewer than four times.
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