Katie Taylor retains lightweight titles after points win over Delfine Persoon in thrilling rematch

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Tony Mogan22 August 2020

Katie Taylor defended her lightweight world titles with a hard-fought points win over Delfine Persoon at Matchroom Fight Camp.

The Bray fighter secured an unanimous decision win over the relentless Belgian who looked to drag her opponent into another scrap in a rematch of their 2019 brawl in New York.

In Madison Square Garden last summer, Taylor was given the toughest examination of her professional career but left as the new undisputed lightweight champion, awarded the contest on the slenderest of margins, a majority decision victory.

Taylor took Persoon's WBC title, adding it to her collection alongside the WBO, IBF and WBA titles, but Persoon was left disgusted with the decision.

Mark Robinson / Matchroom

The Belgian took the rematch eager to right what she perceived to be a wrong with Taylor out to silence anyone doubting her status as lightweight queen.

From Eddie Hearn's back garden in Brentwood, Taylor boxed more disciplined this time around, landing with crisp shots and resisting the temptation to stand and trade with Persoon.

Persoon's relentless energy ensured it was another fiercely tough contest for the 2012 Olympian but Taylor secured a clean sweep of the judges' scorecards to secure the win.