Katie Taylor Retains Her Undisputed World Lightweight Titles

Katie Taylor Retains Her Undisputed World Lightweight Titles

It was back to where it all started. But many things have changed since her professional debut in 2016 in the very same Wembley Arena. The apathy and indifference around women’s boxing and even Katie Taylor herself has long since gone. Her sport is now booming and Taylor is now a global phenomenon.

The Irish superstar retained her undisputed world lightweight titles against Argentina’s Karen Carabajal tonight in London. The scores, in a theme of the evening, were a little closer than actual reality. But 100-91, 99-91, and 98-92 more or less reflected the superiority of Taylor.

A good record on paper, but equally, a deceiving one. In her first fight out of her native country, Carabajal had little right to be sharing a ring with Taylor. A mandatory position isn’t always what it seems. But the Argentinian was incredibly game and was as competitive as we reasonably could have expected.

Taylor was far too good over 10 better-than-expected rounds. Extremely sharp at times, if a little too right-hand happy throughout. With little danger in front of her, Taylor could gamble, a little more aggressive than usual, she made it a far more entertaining spectacle than many expected.

It was in truth a stepping stone to what lies ahead. Croke Park is the logical next step. The only one. Taylor deserves it. Her sport needs it.

Amanda Serrano, is the obvious candidate for the vacancy in the opposite corner. But if Serrano swerves a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, there are plenty of willing and deserving alternatives. Jessica McCaskill and Chantelle Cameron do battle early next month, the winner would be in pole position should the Serrano rematch not materialise.
Alycia Baumgardner, Terri Harper or Mikaela Mayer also lie in wait. Taylor has options and plenty of them. But gimmicky novelty fights with the likes of Holly Holm or Cris Cyborg should not even be considered. We don’t need it and the sport has moved on.

Taylor is in the last stages of her incredible career, whoever is in the opposing corner in Ireland, it would be the kind of night to close time on that career. With nothing further to prove, or achieve, that would be the fitting final dance.

Photo Credit: Getty Images