And Still – Sensational Katie Taylor retains titles beating gutsy challenger on historic fight card

It was business as usual for the sensational Katie Taylor on a not so typical Matchroom fight card tonight.

The Queen of boxing retained her crown and her undisputed lightweight status with a punch perfect victory over Miriam Gutierrez in Wembley Arena.

The successful defence came in the undefeated pro’s 11th successive world title fight and on the top of a ‘historic’ card.

Taylor ensured the unique high profile TV broadcast card, which played host to two other female world title fights – and cemented the Bray natives status as a trailblazer who has revolutionized the sport, ended with cherry on top display of talent.

The Irish icon followed up victories for Rachel Ball and Terri Harper with a full package display, showing skills and spite in abundance.

It was more a legacy night than legacy fight for the trailblazer, but a job still had to be done – and she got it done in style.

Former European Champion Gutierrez had earned the right to challenge for the world titles having worked her way into WBA mandatory position – and had enough ability to ask questions of Taylor if the world champion wasn’t a sensational talent or consummate professional.

However, Taylor took apart her mandatory with yet another special performance, showing just why she is respected the world over.

Gutierrez proved brave and got up off the floor, but was no match for Taylor who claimed a 100-89, 100-90, 99-91 points win.

Taylor jumped on ‘La Reina’ as soon as the bell to start the fight rang. Gutierrez took some punishment including two big right hands, before the Irish fighter elected to box for the second minute, making her opponent fall short and making her pay accordingly.

The class divide became more apparent in the second round, as the sensational Taylor showed her full array of skills. The footwork, variety and accuracy she is famed for were all on display. The Madrid native took some punishment and wasn’t allowed retaliate.

A brilliant left hand shook the Spaniard early in the third, an accurate onslaught tempted the referee to jump, but Gutierrez somehow survived the round. Indeed she finished the stanza, standing and smiling.

The dominance and skills show continued into the fourth, as Taylor continued to inflict all manner of damage on her mandatory challenger.

The Spaniard eventually hit the canvas right on the bell as Taylor slipped a jab and countered with a text book right hand, followed by a left hand.

Gutierrez was helped to her stool, but came out for the fifth. To her credit the former European champion probably had her best round in the fifth, but Taylor was in sensational form and show the beauty and brutality of boxing.

The Madrid fighter ate solid left hooks to the body and head early in the sixth. By that stage her toughness had been proved and it looked like her corner should rescue her from herself.

However, Gutierrez kept taking punishment and Taylor continued to show her class landing perfectly timed and stinging shots over the next four minutes.

The gutsy challenger looked numb to any pain by the time the eight was done

The two weight world titlist showed no mercy or let up in the ninth, but equally her opponent wasn’t going to wilt. The accuracy, hand speed and power couldn’t break her spirit.

Even in the 10th and final round, Gutierrez didn’t look to hold or run allowing Taylor to continue to show her talents. In the end she survived a punch perfect performance as Taylor excelled again.

The win caps off a successful year for the Olympic gold medal winner.

Despite a global pandemic and the falling through of a potential ‘Super Fight’ with seven weight world champion Amanda Serrano, Taylor managed to get two world title fights in, one of which was a win over Delfine Persoon in another entertaining encouther.

It certainly won’t be the Last Dance for a history maker, who came to the ring to the Chicago Bulls tune, as the win tees up 2021 as another groundbreaking year.

A number of fighters have used the last 12 months to increase their profile, making themselves potential big fight opponents for the biggest female name in the sport.

Tasha Jonas is back on the radar, Chantelle Cameron has talked and fought herself into the conversation, Jessica McCaskill is also an option again, the Serrano fight always appeals and would be huge Stateside, while Terri Harper is closing in a clash with her hero.

Eddie Hearn has also been pushing a cross code clash with Cris Cyborg and the MMA star could be on the 2021 list.

The win see’s Taylor improve 17-0 while Gutierrez drops to 13-1.