Finally, the English had the last laugh over the Irish on Saturday night. Katie Taylor, the undisputed (Female) Lightweight champion foray into the Super Lightweight, came a cropper. Her opponent, the undisputed divisional champion, Chantelle Cameron, was the better fighter on the night. She got to retain her titles on top of that. The closely fought slugfest broke many a heart in Dublin. Among them, is Taylor’s fellow countryman and one of the greatest fighters to have come out of the island, Conor McGregor.
A unanimous victory over the Belgian Delfine Persoon saw Katie Taylor become the undisputed Lightweight champion in 2019. Ever since, the London Olympics gold medalist has fended off seven challenges to snatch away her belts. The highlight of her successive defenses was the Madison Square Garden match against Amanda Serrano on April 30 last year. Besides showcasing a dazzling display of the two fighters’ boxing prowess, the match proved a significant commercial draw, the biggest ever for a women’s event.
Hence, a rematch seemed logical, with Serrano becoming the undisputed Featherweight champion early this February. Unfortunately, an injury dashed all hopes of an exciting sequel. Thankfully, an open challenge to the Northhamptonion Chantelle Cameron didn’t go in vain, and a fight was announced on March 11, with 3Arena in Dublin as the venue. The battle lasted a complete twelve rounds. But Cameron, an unbeaten champion, had no plans to put up a white flag.
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Conor McGregor praises Katie Taylor for putting up a brave fight
The anguish and pain of Taylor’s loss in becoming a two-division champion was visible across the arena. But perhaps, none evinced it more incontrovertibly than Conor McGregor. The former UFC champion was utterly saddened by the fellow Dubliner’s first career defeat. As the scores came about, ‘the Notorious’ face showed an obvious disappointment. He told Taylor from the ringside, “Another amazing fight for you. Another day, another day for Katie Tay. Love you to bits, I love you.”
So early today, McGregor took to his Instagram account to pen a heartfelt tribute to Katie Taylor. According to him, if nothing, the fight was a clear draw, “Our hero! Thank you for an amazing event, @katie_t86! I had the fight scored a draw. A very close bout where you once again showed your heart, your skills, your fitness, and your toughness. You are an Irish Warrior! I love you, Katie….”
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Conor McGregor’s support for fellow Irelander Katie Taylor is well known. Several reports showed he was keen to bring about the Amanda Serrano rematch in Dublin’s Croke Park. Do you agree with Conor McGregor? Which is your favorite Katie Taylor fight? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.
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