Katie Taylor unifies lightweight division, wins controversial decison over Delfine Persoon

WBA, WBO, IBF champion Katie Taylor unified the women’s lightweight division by winning a grueling majority decision over now former WBC champion Delfine Persoon Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.

The scores were 95-95 a draw, and 96-94 for Taylor.

Maxboxing scored the fight 96-94 for Persoon.

Taylor (14-0, 6 KOs) flashed her big edge in speed in the opening round. Persoon, slightly taller, stalked. Taylor landed a crisp left hand and fast combination. Persoon (43-2, 18 KOs) connected with a soft jab. Taylor, a native of Ireland, used lateral movement and jabbed in round two. Persoon connected with a left. Taylor landed a right. The lanky Persoon connected with a number of right hands.

In round three, Taylor moved and popped. Persoon, the more physical fighter, wrestled Taylor and landed another right. Taylor connected with a straight right. Persoon, from Belgium, was pushing Taylor backwards. Taylor fired numerous shots in round four. The awkward Persoon chased after Taylor-throwing shots from all angles.

Taylor did well in round five. A three-punch combination connected. She was timing Persoon. She landed a left hook. Persoon fought back. The fight was close through five rounds.

Persoon’s edge in strength was giving the much slicker Taylor problems. Taylor connected a combination in round six. A check hook also landed. Persoon marched forward and let her hands go, but Taylor countered well.

Taylor continued to box well in round seven. She was moving in and out and punching. Persoon landed a left and a nice combination. Taylor tried to fight back, but looked tired as the bell rang. In round eight, Taylor circled and jabbed. She let her hands go. The scrappy Persoon connected with a long right. She also scored with a left. Taylor landed a left hook and right hand in round nine.

In the 10^th and final round, both champions went for it. Taylor started fast. Persoon jabbed and fired back. She landed a number of shots. Taylor also found the range, but the super active Persoon did better.

“It was a very, very close to fight,” said Taylor. “I knew it was going to be a tough fight.”

Persoon, extremely disappointed by the decision, left the ring without commenting.