Tony Bellew paid tribute to Katie Taylor after her victory over Jennifer Han in Leeds on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old was given a solid test by her opponent, who turned professional in 2013 and is a former IBF featherweight champion.
It was Taylor’s first fight since she was pushed to the limit by her former amateur rival Natasha Jonas, claiming a narrow points win in May.
But it was soon evident there was little danger of the champion being stretched again by an opponent who boasts a solitary inside-the-distance win on her 22-fight record.
Taylor set the tempo from the start, landing accurate lead lefts and strong right hands as she wore down Han before dropping her with a short left in the eighth, although Han protested a slip.
The three ringside judges concurred that Taylor had won every round of the contest, handing her a 100-89 points victory.
Speaking after the bout, Bellew said on DAZN: "She's a brilliant boxer. Technically one of the best females to ever grace the sport. Right up there with the best of them all.
"She's pound for pound the best in the world right now active fighting. Yes Claressa Shields is amazing in her own right, but she's not active in a boxing ring. She's taking part in MMA.
"So make no mistake we have the best pound for pound female fighter on the planet in Katie Taylor right now. Enjoy her. Ladies out there watching, learn from her. Look at how diligent she is. Look at the way she performs. She lives the sport.
"She's all about getting the W and doing anything to get it.
"She's a perfect role model. She's Ireland's darling. She's the perfect person. She flies the flag. Not just for boxing, but the way she carries herself, the way she speaks, the things she says.
"She's the perfect human being and she's brilliant at punching people in the face. You can't ask for much more."
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