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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Kevin Taylor

Katie Taylor fight attracts millions of viewers on historic night for women's boxing

Katie Taylor's victory over Miriam Gutierrez at London's Wembley Arena attracted over two million viewers across Ireland and the UK.

Saturday night's fight was screened on TV by Sky Sports and boxing fans were also able to watch the bouts on various platforms online.

The Women's World Title triple-header also featured English aces Terri Harper and Rachel Ball and was watched by a bumper audience.

WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight champion Harper successfully defended her titles against Norway’s Katharina Thanderz in nine rounds, while Ball claimed the Interim WBC Super-Bantamweight World Title with defeat of Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini.

In the main event of the evening, Ireland's former Olympic gold medallist Taylor outclassed Spanish veteran Gutierrez and recorded a unanimous decision win to remain the undisputed lightweight world champion.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn reflected: "This huge audience got to see a great night of boxing and a performance of pound-for-pound quality.

"We have made tremendous strides in women’s boxing but the job is still only half done. Together with these great athletes we will continue to push the boundaries.”

Speaking afterwards, the lightweight queen said: "I thought it was a great performance and she was very tough. I tried my best to get her out of there at times. 

"She's very durable but I couldn't get her out. I would have loved to get a stoppage today but it was a great performance. I was very happy today.

Katie Taylor in action against Miriam Gutierrez (©INPHO/Matchroom Boxing/Mark Robinson)

"There are no shortage of big fights out there. It is all about the legacy and making history in this sport and inspiring the next generation but yeah, people still haven't seen the best of me yet."

Promoter Hearn added that Saturday's performance was the greatest he has seen from Taylor so far as he described her as the world's best female fighter. 

He added: “She’s the greatest to ever do it in women’s boxing and we’re just starting out.

Katie Taylor with Miriam Gutierrez after their bout at the Wembley Arena (©INPHO/Matchroom Boxing/Mark Robinson)

“I believe she’s got four, five, six [years left]; I don’t want to put a number on it because she’ll have a go at me, but so many years to come. 

“No one has ever boxed like Katie Taylor in the female code. The movement, the shot selection, the body work, the head, and the discipline she applies to her camp work, to her career.

"You know, I don’t want to embarrass her but she’s an absolute role model to every young individual. Male, female, it doesn’t matter: if you dedicate yourself to your dream, you can make it. And there’s not a day goes by where she’s not thinking of improving."

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