Katie Taylor vs Firuza Sharipova LIVE: Result, latest reaction and updates

Katie Taylor retained her four lightweight titles on Saturday night, beating Firuza Sharipova via unanimous decision.

After 10 rounds of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, the scorecards read 98-92, 97-92, 96-93 in favour of the Irishwoman, who remains undefeated at 20-0. Eyeing a monumental meeting with featherweight queen Amanda Serrano, there was no room for error for Taylor as she took on an opponent who had previously lost just once – in her professional debut in 2016. Indeed, Sharipova was gutsy and looked to make things rough throughout – even being docked a point for a punch off the break – but the Kazakhstani could not match Taylor’s hand speed, superior footwork and head movement.

“She definitely wasn’t tougher than expected, we were well aware of the challenge,” Taylor said of Sharipova after being announced as the winner – and still undisputed lightweight champion. “We were prepared for a tough fight. She was very scrappy inside, it was hard to get [punches] off. Still undisputed, still undefeated, so I can’t complain.” The former Olympic, world and European amateur champion also acknowledged a possible showdown with Serrano, who fights next weekend, as “the biggest fight in female boxing”. The victory capped off a fine 2021 for Taylor, who has also beaten Natasha Jonas and Jennifer Han this year.

Follow the fallout from Taylor vs Sharipova, and live updates from Benn vs Algieri, below.

Taylor vs Sharipova

• Undercard: Agyarko TKO9 Larios Jr

• Undercard: McGrail TKO2 Gomez

• Undercard: Cordina UD Khatchatryan

• CO-MAIN EVENT: Taylor UD Sharipova

Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri

22:21 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Algieri races to the centre of the ring!

Benn quickly backs him up, however, firing off a jab to the body then straight to the head.

Algieri loops to his right as he looks to make space, but Benn quickly closes range. He again drives Algieri back, and appears to hurt the challenger with a body shot...

Another good body shot, a left hook, and Algieri is breathing pretty heavily already.

Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri

22:18 , Alex Pattle

The fighter introductions have been made, the crowd in Liverpool are ready... here we go!

Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri

22:14 , Jack Rathborn

Here comes Benn, he’s whipping in shots as he shadow boxes towards the ring.

Algieri waits in the ring, in an Argentina home jersey.

22:09 , Jack Rathborn

“He hasn’t faced somebody that can keep coming and push him back for 12 rounds,” says Bellew.

“You have to be very careful after four or five rounds.

“Can you adapt? Can you adjust? Algieri can, he can adjust his game plan. You need those qualities to be a world champion.

“Is Algieri still dangerous? Algieri is a force to be reckoned with.

“If Algieri comes through four or five rounds, he’s dangerous and has huge amounts of ambition.”

Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano set for MSG next April

22:01 , Jack Rathborn

Eddie Hearn confirms a contract has been sent to Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions for the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano fight.

He expects that fight to be at Madison Square Garden next April.

Serrano needs to beat Miriam Gutierrez next week on the Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley undercard in Tampa Bay.

Katie Taylor: The Amanda Serrano fight is the biggest fight in female boxing

21:58 , Jack Rathborn

“It’s the biggest fight in female boxing,” says Katie Taylor.

“It’s a privilege to fight there, at MSG, the biggest fight in the most iconic stadium.

“It’s beyond a dream!”

21:56 , Jack Rathborn

Taylor def. Sharipova

21:55 , Alex Pattle

“She definitely wasn’t tougher than expected – we were definitely well aware of the challenge.

“We were prepared for a tough fight. She was very scrappy inside, it was hard to get [punches] off.

“Still undisputed, still undefeated, so I can’t complain.”

Taylor def. Sharipova

21:52 , Alex Pattle

There you have it! Taylor wins on points by a pretty comfortable margin on each of the scorecards.

A smart and at times slick showing from the champion, though Sharipova was gutsy throughout.

Taylor def. Sharipova

21:51 , Alex Pattle

Katie Taylor def. Firuza Sharipova via unanimous decision (98-92, 97-92, 96-93).

21:49 , Jack Rathborn

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:48 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Sharipova knows she needs a finish and comes forward with a flurry of punches!

Now Taylor responds, but Sharipova grabs her and hangs on.

They separate. Stiff right hand from the champion jars the head of Sharipova as the challenger enters again.

Sharipova tries to pour it on, but Taylor’s head movement is too slick! She fires off strong counters.

The bell sounds, and Taylor will surely remain champion despite a gutsy effort from Sharipova...

21:46 , Jack Rathborn

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:45 , Alex Pattle

Round 9

More of the same in this round as Sharipova struggles to get her range right.

Taylor ends the frame with a nice one-two while moving forward, snapping back the head of her challenger.

One more round to go.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:44 , Jack Rathborn

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:42 , Alex Pattle

Round 8

Slick jab by Taylor, at the request of her corner.

Sharipova hasn’t quite got her range right, firing out right straights but just missing.

She lands a few shots as Taylor shells up. Good head movement by Taylor to roll under a punch, though, before clinching and landing two right hooks to the head.

More of the same shot by Taylor as the round ends.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:39 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

Some more decent work from Sharipova in the clinch, but she’s still suffering at range.

Taylor is punishing the challenger for somewhat naive, linear entries, landing more good counter shots.

Sharipova lands a one-two *just* after the bell.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:36 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

It’s the right side of Sharipova’s face that is reddened, above and under the eye.

She pushes forward but struggles to catch the champion, whose superior speed is on show again.

Sharipova lands a punch as the referee separates the pair from a clinch, and he docks the Kazakhstani a point! Perhaps a bit harsh – a warning might have sufficed.

It fires up Sharipova, who goes on the offensive against Taylor, but the champion stays sharp to land smart counters.

Another left hook to the body by Taylor. Lots of feints, too.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:33 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Sharipova with a left hook to the body, then a clinch. The challenger is trying to make it rough.

Uppercuts and hooks from Sharipova in close, but she’s sporting some damage to the face.

Another nice counter left hook from Taylor after the opponents separate. Now a big left hand! The best shot of the fight so far.

Taylor with a great end to the round after a fine start to the frame by Sharipova.

21:32 , Jack Rathborn

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:29 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Jab to the body from Sharipova, but Taylor responds with a quick left-right.

A powerful right hand punishes the challenger, then another! Taylor seems to be growing in confidence here.

Sharipova clinches a couple of times, trying to wear down the champion.

The pair separate, and Sharipova catches Taylor with a good counter shoot as the Irishwoman steps in.

“Hands up,” Taylor is told by her corner, as Sharipova steps in late in the round.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:26 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

An exhibition in clean footwork here from Taylor, who sets up a harsh left hook to the body.

She catches Sharipova with a fierce counter right straight, too, as the challenger steps in!

Taylor maintains her promising start.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:23 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

A stiff jab from Sharipova after some solid combinations from Taylor, which backed up the Kazakhstani.

A strong right hand from Sharipova now! Taylor hooks to the body then the head off opposite sides.

Nice left straight from the champion. She pushes forward, staying on the front foot.

The Irishwoman has likely taken the first two rounds.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:20 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

The women trade jabs early, Sharipova going to the body. She looks to string some overhand rights on the end.

Taylor lands a wide left hook, then a slick flurry – a trio of swift strikes! She looks much quicker than her challenger.

Sharipova clinches and lands a nice uppercut in close.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:18 , Alex Pattle

HERE WE GO! Round 1 under way.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:16 , Alex Pattle

Boos as Sharipova is introduced. Cheers for Taylor.

Ten rounds for the undisputed women’s lightweight championship of the world.

Taylor vs Sharipova

21:14 , Alex Pattle

Sharipova is out first! Now here comes Taylor, walking out to The La’s’ “There She Goes”.

Eddie Hearn: Katie Taylor just needs to win tonight!

21:06 , Jack Rathborn

Katie Taylor up next...

“Sharipova is an unknown quantity, she’s the first Kazakh fighter to fight for the undisputed title,” says Eddie Hearn.

“She hasn’t stopped moaning. They’re on edge. She’s technically good. Sometimes doesn’t look so, she fights like Taylor.

“She can punch. They’ve taken this really seriously. Sometimes Katie stands in the pocket and makes it harder than she needs to. She just needs to win tonight.”

20:59 , Jack Rathborn

Robbie Davies Jr reacts to victory

20:58 , Jack Rathborn

"It's very satisfying, Hank has been in with some top names. I know that wasn't the best version of Lundy, but I don't think anybody has done that to him.

“I caught him with a shot I didn't even know I'd hurt him.

“Now with Shane, I’m in a rebuilding phase, I’ve had two back-to-back knockouts.”

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Robbie Davies Jr vs Hank Lundy

20:48 , Jack Rathborn

Lundy’s legs unstable still. Davies Jr not emptying the tank yet though.

What a sensational finish! A right straight down the pipe.

Lundy falls through the ropes and can’t recover, a statement stoppage win for the Liverpudlian.

A first stoppage loss for the Philadelphian in five years, when Terence Crawford dispatched him.

Lundy has a leg injury and can’t attend the announcement for the winner as he receives treatment.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Robbie Davies Jr vs Hank Lundy

20:46 , Jack Rathborn

Davies Jr pushing the jab out with plenty of pop early doors here.

Lundy looking illusive here too, he won’t be giving anything to Davies Jr here.

It’s a bit scrappy but suddenly Lundy in big trouble.

He’s all over the place, the Philadelphian, the bell saves him!!

It was short right from close range, Lundy was all over the place!

Davies Jr then slipped and stumbled low into the ropes, but that was a slip.

20:34 , Jack Rathborn

Conor Benn: I'm filled with rage after fights

20:33 , Jack Rathborn

“I'm filled with rage after fights. It's because all my career I've dealt with this and that,” says Benn.

“What about now, mate? It makes me angry. I was a young kid trying to achieve something, not living off my Dad.”

20:31 , Jack Rathborn

Up next is Robbie Davies Jr vs Henry Lundy.

Then it’s the co-main event: Katie Taylor vs Firuza Sharipova, expected about 9:30pm.

Then it’s time for Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri, expected about 10:30pm.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina UD Miko Khatchatryan

20:26 , Jack Rathborn

“A GB graduate, he’s proven, we don’t live in a world of 20-30 fights, they fight the best amateurs on a regular basis,” Tony Bellew says.

“People turn over with four three-minute rounds. In the WBSB, like Lomachenko and Usyk, they can come into the pros and take on a faster track.”

Andy Lee adds: “Sometimes you need the progression and that fight between world level. I’m not sure this was it, like Conor Benn against Chris Algieri tonight.”

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina UD Miko Khatchatryan

20:24 , Jack Rathborn

Cordina gets it on the cards with all three judges giving it to the Welshman: 100-90, 98-92, 98-92.

A tricky night’s work, he’ll want to challenge for a world title in 2022, but that was tough breaking down the movement of Khatchatryan.

Andy Lee: “I think that sets up Cordina really well, a good fight, 10 rounds, if he is to go on to a world title, that’s perfect preparation for him.”

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:21 , Jack Rathborn

Final round then, can Cordina force a stoppage?

A first time in the 10th round for Khatchatryan, whose tank is still reasonably full it seems.

Both men trading, engrossing stuff! Cordina thinks he’s done enough and celebrates but that was quality from both men.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:17 , Jack Rathborn

Sims complaining to Cordina in the corner between rounds.

It prompts a big response, stalking his performance, but he must let those hands go.

It’s hard though, with Khatchatryan’s movement not providing a stationary target and the power not enough to slow him through nine.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:13 , Jack Rathborn

Khatchatryan still putting together combinations, then shuffling out of range.

He has a really nice, slick style. Cordina unable to get on top of him all night as the eighth near an end.

Khatchatryan’s corner are loud too, perhaps sensing their man has a chance here. A lot of his shots are on the gloves, but he deserves some credit, it’s been a good display.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:08 , Jack Rathborn

Khatchatryan moving so well this fight, but that’s a sickening body shot.

He can’t mask the pain in the seventh.

Cordina not pouncing though. And the Belgian bounces a couple of good shots off the Welshman, who then gets a warning for holding down Khatchatryan’s head.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:07 , Jack Rathborn

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:05 , Jack Rathborn

Khatchatryan smiles after landing an overhand right, it briefly stuns the Welshman, it’s a gorgeous shot.

Cordina peppering his body, lovely work. This is a competitive fight though through six rounds.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:03 , Jack Rathborn

Imposing from Cordina now, pushing him back with the jab and then waiting for the response.

Almost luring Khatchatryan in and then countering well.

The Belgian’s gas tank is impressive though, he’s asking for more engagement from Cordina.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

20:01 , Jack Rathborn

Cordina dishing out the punishment now, backing up Khatchatryan.

Cordina soaks up a couple 1-2 combinations from the Belgian, showing he has a solid shell too.

19:59 , Jack Rathborn

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

19:55 , Jack Rathborn

Cordina has landed 20 punches through three rounds, at a 44 per cent ratio.

Khatchatryan has landed just seven, only landing at 14 per cent.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

19:51 , Jack Rathborn

Khatchatryan moving to his left, jabbing upstairs and down.

Cordina now on the front foot and ripping shots into the body with the Belgian on the ropes.

Good activity from Khatchatryan, he puts two and three-punch combinations together, but they’re mostly off the back foot and more an annoyance than placing Cordina in much danger.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

19:49 , Jack Rathborn

Cordina looking calm and confident so far through two rounds.

And Katie Taylor is in the house, she’ll be fighting Sharipova after this one and Davies Jr vs Lundy is finished.

Benn vs Algieri undercard: Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

19:41 , Jack Rathborn

Joe Cordina is back and takes on unbeaten Belgian Miko Khatchatryan, both fighters are in the ring now.

The WBA Continental super featherweight title is on the line.

Benn vs Algieri: Andy Lee opens up on ‘The Destroyer’

19:38 , Jack Rathborn

“He’s going to have to pin Algieri down,” Andy

“Algieri can fight off the ropes, he’s got his hands full tonight.

“It’s a phenomenal rise. He works extremely hard, this is the fruits of his labour.

“I won’t be surprised if he loses, if he gets the win it’ll be a good result for him.”

Conor Benn: I believe 2022 is my time to take on world champions

19:32 , Jack Rathborn

Conor Benn says: “I want to be No 1. What you see is what you get. The minute you start conforming, it's who I am, if you're everybody's cup of tea, you're a mug.

“There's a lot more left for me to prove. I'm knocking on the door for a world title. I believe 2022 is my time to take on world champions. I'm preparing for a prime Chris Algieri.

“It’s going to be a Christmas cracker.”

Peter McGrail: I have the same ability as world champions

19:29 , Jack Rathborn

“To have my first two fights in Liverpool, a brilliant performance. Everything I've worked on in the gym is coming off. It's a great night for my family.

“I’ve set myself up nicely for a bigger 2022.

“I believe in myself, I have the same ability as world champions, it’s about building up the rounds and experience.

“I believe I could get in with world champions with the right amount of experience.”

Benn vs Algieri undercard: McGrail vs Gomez

19:22 , Jack Rathborn

A big knockdown, McGrail outclassing Gomez and sends him to the canvas.

Beautiful boxing from the Liverpudlian. The ref saves Gomez from any more damage.

McGrail nicked up on his left eye. That’s his first stoppage as a pro.

A one-two left Gomez flat out on his back.

McGrail vs Gomez

19:13 , Jack Rathborn

Here’s Peter McGrail, he walks to the ring to Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight.

He looks confident, this could be one of the stars of the next 10 years in British boxing.

Gomez (8-3-1), fighting out of Nicaragua, will hope to frustrate the Liverpudlian.

Chris Algieri keen to experience English atmosphere, warns Conor Been about stepping up

19:05 , Jack Rathborn

Chris Algieri says: “Be careful wanting to step up. Everybody thinks they're ready until they're not. I've always wanted to fight in England, I'm looking forward to it.

“It'll be roof coming down kind of stuff. It's an opportunity and a feeling I'm looking forward to.”

Agyarko TKO Larios Jr

18:57 , Jack Rathborn

Agyarko dished out just enough punishment there and forces the referee to jump in and save Larios Jr.

Might have been a touch early, but the American had no hope of winning.

Good work from the Irishman, tidy finish with some spiteful shots.

A big left forced Larios Jr to stagger into the ropes, nothing much followed up but you could sense the end was near.

Agyarko vs Larios Jr

18:49 , Jack Rathborn

Larios Jr is tough and coming forward with intent.

Counter-left lands for Agyarko at the end of the seventh.

Peter McGrail up next against Engel Gomez, the former world champion looking to make it 2-0 since turning over.

Agyarko vs Larios Jr

18:42 , Jack Rathborn

Big shots from Agyarko towards the end of the fifth.

Larios Jr seemingly hurt badly in the corner.

Big left hooks, then the Irishman squares up and lets his hands go. The bell saves the American.

Agyarko vs Larios Jr

18:38 , Jack Rathborn

Tony Bellew has given Agyarko every round through four on the DAZN broadcast.

Agyarko vs Larios Jr

18:37 , Jack Rathborn

A solid round for Agyarko, the left is a potent weapon.

Larios Jr able to absorb them and smother any follow-up work.

As we head into the fifth round, the key for Agyarko will be the combinations.

Agyarko vs Larios Jr

18:29 , Jack Rathborn

Good footwork from Larios Jr here through two rounds.

He connects with a left hook.

Agyarko also looking to that shot, but has a hard right uppercut that squeezes through towards the end of the round.

Agyarko vs Larios Jr

18:26 , Jack Rathborn

Agyarko looks very composed early on here.

A stiff jab connects within seconds of the first bell.

Larios Jr looking to counter with hard shots and you can tell the Irishman is aware of the potential danger he poses with the cautious movement forward.

Caoimhin Agyarko faces Noe Larios Jr on Benn vs Algieri undercard

18:16 , Jack Rathborn

Caoimhin Agyarko (9-0) set to face off with fellow unbeaten fighter Noe Larios Jr. (14-0).

Larios Jr, from California, but has fought out of nearby Tijuana.

Can he trouble the Irishman?

Firuza Sharipova reveals secret weapon in bid to dethrone Katie Taylor

18:05 , Jack Rathborn

“Sofya has helped me to prepare for this fight,” said Sharipova. “No one else knows how to fight Taylor like Sofya Ochigava.

“Therefore, not only I, Firuza Sharipova, will be in the ring against Taylor, but the intelligence of Sofya Ochigava, who has prepared me very well for this fight, will be with me.

“Sofya has been in my camp from the very beginning, has passed on all her knowledge to me and has done her best to help me defeat Katie Taylor.”

Eddie Hearn: Conor Benn set for Adrien Broner if victorious over Chris Algieri

18:03 , Jack Rathborn

“If Conor’s successful on Saturday, there’s talk of him potentially fighting the winner of Khan versus Kell Brook,” Hearn says in his BBC Sport column.

“To be honest I tried so hard to make the Benn v Khan fight, but I don’t think either of those guys will continue in the sport after their fight next year.

“I look instead at a potential fight with Adrien Broner. It would be amazing to bring ‘The Problem’ to the UK in what would be a huge arena fight.

“We’ve seen recently though the danger of overlooking opponents and Conor must be completely focused on the test of Algieri.”

Fight odds

17:59 , Jack Rathborn

Benn: 1/8

Draw: 25/1

Algieri: 9/2

---

Taylor: 1/50

Draw: 25/1

Sharipova: 10/1

Full card

17:56 , Jack Rathborn

Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri

Katie Taylor vs Firuza Sharipova

Robbie Davies Jr vs Henry Lundy

Caoimhin Agyarko vs Noe Larios Jr

Joe Cordina vs Miko Khatchatryan

Joe McGrail vs Francisco Rodriguez

Callum French vs Rustem Fatkhullin

Jordan Gill vs Alan Isaias Luques Castillo

Paddy Lacey vs Vasif Mamedov