Katie Taylor vs Han LIVE: Result, latest updates and reaction after points win for undisputed champion
The Irish legend moves on with Amanda Serrano likely up next
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 defended her undisputed world lightweight title with a shut-out points win over American Jennifer Han at Headingley Stadium.
The 35-year-old was given a solid test by her opponent, who turned professional in 2013 and is a former IBF featherweight champion.
It was Taylor‘s first fight since she was pushed to the limit by her former amateur rival Natasha Jonas, claiming a narrow points win in May.
But it was soon evident there was little danger of the champion being stretched again by an opponent who boasts a solitary inside-the-distance win on her 22-fight record.
Taylor set the tempo from the start, landing accurate lead lefts and strong right hands as she wore down Han before dropping her with a short left in the eighth, although Han protested a slip.
The three ringside judges concurred that Taylor had won every round of the contest, handing her a 100-89 points victory.
Conor Benn made his frustration plain despite cruising to his 19th consecutive professional win over experienced American Adrian Granados.
Benn dominated from the start of the contest but Granados’ back-pedalling style did not go down well with the 24-year-old, who angrily implored his opponent to fight in the final round.
Granados, who had previously acquitted himself well against high-calibre opposition including Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter, perhaps wisely refused to oblige, and the judges duly delivered their 100-90, 99-91, 97-93 verdicts.
Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara: What time are ring walks, how to watch and undercard including Conor Benn and Katie Taylor
Josh Warrington still has his sights set on United States world title fight
Josh Warrington fights for redemption and future in a perfect storm
Conor Benn proves he’s the new British attraction but his real journey starts now
Taylor vs Han: Round 1
It’s a Taylor round, and the Irish fighter looks to establish her class.
Han looks eager to flick out her jab and is certainly not running though.
Hearn: Broner can be next for Benn
“Perfect fight for him, he’ll be frustrated.
“People like Granados feel the power and want to survive.
“That was a solid 10 rounds in the bank.
“Now we move onto a big fight in December.”
Benn reacts to Granados win
“Very frustrating, he was talking about coming together like trucks. He ran the whole fight.
“You know when a Mexican doesn’t want to engage then you can dig.
“Leeds, you lot are incredible. Thank you for your support, honestly I’ve never had a welcome like it.
“I need to headline here.”
Benn UD Granados
Benn gets the win on points: 100-90, 99-91 and 97-93.
A great learning experience.
Benn vs Granados: The view from ringside
Our reporter Tom Kershaw is ringside at Headingley, here’s how he saw it: “Benn began this bout a little wildly, eager to repeat his last spectacular knockout, and Granados was able to pre-empt his lunging right hands.
“The Briton's pressure is beginning to tell now, though, and he's in a clear ascendancy heading into the tenth round.”
Benn vs Granados: Round 10
Can Benn rally late? More nice jabs from Granados to the body, he’s measured and calm as he circles around to his right.
Now Benn trapped against the ropes, Granados piles on the pressure, but not a lot getting home.
This is precious experience for Benn, it’s not been a thriller, but to bank these rounds and experience what it’s like to grow in frustration, he can work on plenty after this one.
Granados plays matador at the end of the round, Benn storms ahead like a bull and the American jokes to the crowd: “Ole”
The pair then exchange bombs with Benn on the ropes. He’s livid at the end of the fight, screaming at Granados to bring it.
Hughes eyes Haney fight after outclassing Straffon
“That’s the best one there is. Another underdog against a Mexican monster. He did a big job against Tennyson.
“If Eddie can sort it [against Devin Haney], I’m happy to go to his back garden, let’s get it.”
Benn vs Granados: Round 9
Benn still shooting the straight right with power, but Granados is moving away from the shots well.
They’re never quite landing clean.
Granados still looking to capitalise when Benn loads up by tagging him to the body.
It’s clever stuff, even if he’s not going to damage Benn too much. That could be a Granados round.
Benn vs Granados: Round 7
Granados cannot seem to dent Benn.
But he’s moving well and able to slip away from these bursts.
Benn chasing and might be looking to work on closing the ring off.
Or his defence? He attracts Granados onto him in the middle of the ring, and he lets his hands drop, pivoting out of the way of a flurry of shots. Barely any land, showing a bit of a slicker side to Benn.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments