Katie Taylor came through a war of attrition to beat Delfine Persoon by majority decision and become the undisputed lightweight champion in New York tonight.
The Bray woman became the first Irish boxer to unify a professional boxing division but it was in controversial circumstances as many at ringside scored the fight in the Belgian's favour.
Taylor came out showing her customary speed, throwing plenty of combinations and winning the opening round. But there were dangers signs in the second as Persoon came forward and engaged Taylor with the pair trading blows.
A cut appeared on Taylor's forehead while Persoon ended up with swelling on her left eye as both fighters emptied the tank.
It was by far the toughest fight of Taylor's career as she struggled to cope with awkward style of Persoon who relentlessly kept coming forward and putting her opponent under pressure.
The final rounds were all-action as Taylor abandoned her boxing prowess to engage in a war that she just won on the judge's scorecards.
One ringside judge scored it a draw while the other two had it 96-64 in the Bray woman's favour.
Persoon immediately left the ring visibly upset with the calls for a rematch already ringing around Madison Sqaure Garden after a thrilling but bruising encounter.
Taylor, 32, claimed Persoon’s WBC title to add to her WBA, IBF and WBO crowns and and was also awarded the Ring magazine belt to recognise her status as the division's No 1.
She said after the fight: "I thought I did enough... I racked up some nice rounds early on, thought I did enough in the end," she said.
"I stand there and fight too much sometimes... I should have been more disciplined. I showed great heart and did enough to win.
"It was a very very close fight abut thought I did enough to win.
“I’m definitely happy to give Delfine a rematch if she wants.”
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