Hearn praises ‘star’ Taylor

KATIE TAYLOR needed less than three full rounds to stop Kimberly Connor and defend her IBF and WBA lightweight titles at London’s O2 Arena.

After controlling the first two rounds, the Bray boxer unleashed a string of punches on the 37-year-old in the third to earn her 10th professional win.

She didn’t escape unscathed but when a swelling appeared under Taylor’s right eye in the second round and she quickly moved to end the contest.

American Connor was struggling to defend herself after taking several powerful right hands, and was rescued on her feet by the referee as she fell to her fourth professional defeat.

‘I knew I had a bump around my eye,’ said Taylor afterwards.

‘It was good, Kimberly was very tough. I just happened to catch her with a good shot, stay composed and finished it.

‘It has always been the plan [to be undisputed champion]. I have two belts and I have two more to go.’

Taylor, who beat Argentina’s Victoria Noelia Bustos in April to add the IBF title to the WBA belt, will make her next title defence in Chicago on 6 October when she faces experienced Puerto Rico-born Cindy Serrano.

The Irishwoman set the tone for Saturday’s contest by producing two sharp punches in the opening 20 seconds.

Taylor continued to land with regularity in round two although the swelling under her eye was noticeable as she went back to her corner.

Taking no chances, the Bray fighter produced a flurry of blows to wobble Connor early in the third and after the stunned American dropped her guard, referee Steve Gray jumped in to end the contest.

Taylor’s beaming promoter Eddie Hearn lauded the fighter after her impressive performance.

‘Forget men’s boxing, forget women’s boxing, she is just one of the stars of the sport,’ said Hearn.