TAOISEACH Micheál Martin led the tributes after Ireland's Katie Taylor comfortably saw off Karen Elizabeth Carabajal to retain her undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO world lightweight titles.
Returning to Wembley Arena where she made her professional debut in 2016, 36-year-old Taylor went the full 10 rounds with the Argentine, who had won all of her 19 previous bouts.
However, the result never looked in doubt as Taylor recorded a comfortable victory, 100-91, 99-91, 98-92, extending her unbeaten record to 22 fights.
Taylor retains her undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO world lightweight titles (Image: James Chance/Getty Images)"She had everything to gain here tonight but I think I boxed very smart," Taylor told DAZN Boxing after the fight.
"It was very awkward at times but I'm just delighted to get another victory — 22 fights, 22 wins, still undefeated, still undisputed, that's what it's all about."
Comfortable for Taylor
Carabajal started eagerly but failed to trouble her more illustrious opponent in the opening rounds.
The Argentine gradually settled into proceedings but still struggled to counter Taylor’s speed and movement.
The Bray Bomber upped the ante in the fifth, which also allowed Carabajal to counter as she landed some hits of her own.
Taylor lands a right on Carabajal (Image: James Chance/Getty Images)Taylor eased off somewhat in the closing rounds, boxing smartly and avoiding the risk of a potential upset.
Both fighters went for the grandstand finish in the 10th but Taylor comfortably saw out the fight in front of a big Irish crowd at Wembley.
Next on the agenda, should Taylor and promoter Eddie Hearn get their wish, is a fight in Ireland, potentially against the Irishwoman's previous opponent, Amanda Serrano.
'A trailblazer and inspiration'
Leading the tributes to Taylor, the Taoiseach tweeted: "Congratulations Katie Taylor on defending your world titles in London tonight.
"A comprehensive, controlled and skilful victory over a brave challenger Karen Carabajal."
Wicklow TD Simon Harris said the county and the entire country was proud of the Bray Bomber following her success.
"Congratulations Katie Taylor on retaining your title as undisputed lightweight champion of the world tonight," he tweeted.
"All of us in Wicklow are so proud to call you our own! And I know the whole country is rightly so proud of you & all you have achieved!"
A bloodied Carabajal and Taylor both went for the grandstand finish (Image: James Chance/Getty Images)Meanwhile, Claire Cronin, the US Ambassador to Ireland, described Taylor as a 'trailblazer and inspiration to young girls everywhere'.
"Congratulations to Katie Taylor, the undisputed lightweight champion of the world, on her spectacular victory tonight," she added.
And Serrano herself, beaten by Taylor in April in the first women's bout to headline Madison Square Garden, also offered her congratulations, while hinting at a rematch.
"Congratulations KatieTaylor 2023 We Dance AGAIN!" she tweeted.
Congratulations #KatieTaylor on defending your world titles in London tonight.
A comprehensive, controlled and skilful victory over a brave challenger Karen Carabajal.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 29, 2022
Congratulations Katie Taylor on retaining your title as undisputed lightweight champion of the world tonight. All of us in Wicklow are so proud to call you our own! And I know the whole country is rightly so proud of you & all you have achieved! #KatieTaylor
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 29, 2022
Congratulations to @KatieTaylor, the undisputed lightweight champion of the world, on her spectacular victory tonight. Katie is a trailblazer and inspiration to young girls everywhere. pic.twitter.com/0IktXLYg9m
— Claire Cronin (@USAmbIreland) October 29, 2022
Congratulations @KatieTaylor 2023 We Dance AGAIN!🙏😉
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) October 29, 2022
22 fights, 22 wins. Another fantastic victory for our very own Katie Taylor as she retains her astonishing record.
A world class athlete and fantastic inspiration to so many, maith thú @KatieTaylor 👏🏼🥊 pic.twitter.com/adDA7wyL0B
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) October 29, 2022
Katie Taylor.
Pride of Ireland.
Champion of the World. pic.twitter.com/63YHa5S2DY— Órfhlaith Begley MP (@OrfhlaithBegley) October 29, 2022
And still…🥊 🥇
Congratulations to Katie Taylor - the undisputed lightweight champion of the world 🌎🏆
She retains the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO belts.
From all at Bray Wanderers pic.twitter.com/ur2QC2Vzj0
— Bray Wanderers FC (@BrayWanderers) October 29, 2022
