Katie Taylor has beaten Firuza Sharipova to set up a huge fight next year with American Amanda Serrano.
The Irish Olympic Gold medalist retained her WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight titles with a unanimous decision win
The judges scored it 98-92, 97-92 and 96-93 to the Irish woman.
Speaking after the fight, Taylor said: "I think it's my 15th defence of a world title so it's another fantastic win. This prepares us for the big fights next year, Amanda Serrano, Jessica McCaskill."
And the fight with Serrano appears to be the one promoter Eddie Hearn wants, with April the potential date given by the Englishman.
Hearn said: "The plan 100% is Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden. … It’s the biggest fight of all time in women’s boxing.
However, many fans of Taylor were concerned that the Irish woman's performances wouldn't be enough to beat Serrano.
Sergio Mora tweeted: "Katie Taylor wasn’t the sharpest today but got the job done. Serrano fight better happen next for Taylor because 'Mother Time' don’t wait either."
Kevin Byrne added: "Taylor did a good job after Sharipova started well. Not a vintage year but 3 wins in 2021 and she likely moves on to the Serrano fight. Can see people being split on that one."
Another said: "Fear the Amanda Serrano fight has come too late in Katie Taylor's career."
Another tweeted: "Think the window of opportunity for Taylor to beat Serrano has probably closed now. Think she gets stopped mid rounds If her game plan is to stand and trade."
