Katie Taylor remains the undisputed women’s lightweight world champion after edging Britain’s Natasha Jonas in an epic clash on Saturday night.
Ireland’s trailblazing two-weight world champion preserved her unbeaten professional record and moved to 18-0 while keeping the full collection of WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring titles at the AO Arena in Manchester.
In an eagerly anticipated rematch of the memorable Olympic quarter-final from London 2012, which Taylor won 26-15 before going on to clinch the gold medal, both fighters ensured that the long-awaited bout more than lived up to the hype as they traded heavy blows from close range throughout a gruelling affair.
Jonas hurt Taylor as she demonstrated her obvious power during an action-packed clash, but The Bray Bomber - whose blistering hand speed and superb combinations were on full display once again - showed her unrelenting determination by digging deep in the final rounds with the fight close as she took a unanimous decision victory with judges scorecards of 96-94, 96-95 and 96-95.
"I feel sorry for the main event coming out after that fight. It was a thrilling fight,” Taylor said after a bout which served as the chief support to Joseph Parker’s heavyweight victory over Derek Chisora.
"It was probably a bit too exciting for my liking. It was definitely a toe-to-toe battle.
"I definitely showed the heart of a champion and that's what won me the fight in the end.
"Tonight was a brilliant showcase for women's boxing and boxing overall."