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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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
Joshua will trigger his rematch clause immediately, Eddie Hearn has confirmed.
Anthony Joshua won't be attending the post-fight press conference, it has been confirmed.
Eddie Hearn tweets after Joshua's first ever defeat in the professional ranks.
Anthony Joshua has turned up for a late post-fight press conference
The better man won, respect to Andy. I never underestimated him or anyone. When people box me they box 15-20% better. These guys are coming to win, he was the better man for the job. This is my own fault.I got caught on the top of the head but didn't recover in time.
Anthony Joshua
For me, it's just a minor setback. The locks on the doors don't change, we're still family, it's still a sport. I'll look to get my hands back on the belts. You know who I want [Wilder] but if we have to have the rematch with Andy, that's fine. I've dealt with more shit than this. I feel like this is just part of the journey I'm on. We came this far and we're going to go a lot further.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments