Katie Taylor created one of the best nights in Irish boxing history as the legendary Bray fighter turned the tables on undisputed super-lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron with a stunning performance at the 3Arena.
Taylor defied expectations with a tactical masterclass, punishing Cameron’s aggression and using her trademark flurry combinations and counter-punches.
Cameron had few answers to the brilliance of Taylor, who came good on a promise to see the very best of her talents when so many doubted what was left in the tank.
Taylor took the victory via majority decision, with one judge scoring the contest 95-95 and the others 98-92 and 96-94.
Amid a wall of noise, Taylor walked first to ring in a scene quite different from the first bout.
The production values may have been restrictive, with Taylor taking less time to soak in the noise and volume of support with her, as the emphasis was on the job at hand rather than the surroundings of a homecoming.
Cameron followed as she relished the benefits of last time’s win – with even more respect from the Dublin crowd mixed with the theatrical booing.
All week Taylor – who rarely gives much away in pre-fight comments – has insisted it was the boxing that would do the talking.
She refused to confirm any mistakes in the previous build-up, hinting at injury problems in camp, while Cameron also revealed an arm issue hindered her performance.
The action got underway with the challenger needing a more effective start, with Cameron admitting she felt Taylor was slow to get to work back in May.
She did so with a left and right hook inside the first 30 seconds. But Cameron showed the quick hands and step-forward approach that won the last day in a relatively even start.
The Fields of Athenry was briefly disrupted by a slip from Taylor as she fell to the canvas - the referee quickly resuming the contest - and as the round came to an end it was difficult to choose a winner.
Taylor was undoubtedly landing better combinations as the second round arrived and certainly shaded the action-packed two minutes. The home fans were on their feet as the fighters almost had to be separated at the bell following intense action.
Taylor was first in with her jab and as Cameron repeatedly tried to walk her down, the Olympic gold medallist found growing success with her combinations.
A clash of heads led to Cameron being cut open above the eye late in the round with closer inspection in the fourth revealing the extent of the issue, offering more encouragement for the challenger.
The question was coming as to whether Taylor – with her two decades in the sport – would tire against her younger foe but her tactics were superb, retaining energy and using Cameron’s aggressiveness to constantly counter.
The cut was assessed again by the doctor at the start of the fifth and the fight continued. Cameron enjoyed her best round of the fight to that point, with Taylor briefly unsteady and forced to hold.
Taylor promised to be the ultimate version of herself, even at 37, and boxed and moved magnificently in round six as fans dreamed of the journey continuing having only experienced such nights once already and knowing defeat could mean the end.
Cameron was appealing to the referee for her foe clinching too often as tiredness began to become apparent. A shuddering right and more success in countering Cameron had Taylor in command with just six minutes remaining.
Now would be crunch time for the expected late onslaught of the champion given less miles on the clock.
Taylor was rough and ready, much to the annoyance of her opponent to restrict the danger having established a clear advantage. Cameron’s powerful uppercut tested the chin of the challenger – as did a wild shoulder unseen by the referee – and the bell came at a good time for the home corner.
With it came a late punch for Cameron as tensions rose in the closing moments.
Taylor found a new burst of energy as she caught Cameron on several occasions and then cleverly used her body to hold off Cameron, who chased her down to little success.
The fighters touched gloves and an appreciative nod from Cameron for the class shown by Taylor in the ring in the previous nine rounds came with it.
Blood poured from the face of British fighter after a gruelling two minutes, with Taylor largely untroubled and giving a simple fist pump when the fight came to an end.
An incredible roar greeted that end of the contest as memories of this year’s heartbreaking scorecards for home fans were set to be banished.
Taylor emerged with the majority decision to continue her career and with it the chance of a trilogy in what would undoubtedly be the most lucrative and high-profile female fight ever.
Croke Park will beckon if a deal can be done on a night where only such a venue could top Taylor’s greatest professional boxing moment.
