Lightweight champion Katie Taylor outclasses Christina Linardatou, captures WBO junior welterweight title

Katie Taylor, the unified lightweight champion, added the WBO junior welterweight world title to her resume by utilizing her strengths and outpointing defending champion Christina Linardatou over 10 spirited rounds at the Manchester Arena in London, Eng. Saturday night.

All three judges scored the fight for Taylor by scores of 96-94, and 97-93 twice.

Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) flashed her fast hands and feet in the opening stanza. Linardatou, making the third defense of her title, pursued Taylor aggressively. Taylor landed a few jabs and solid right at the bell.

Linardatou (13-2, 6 KOs) continued to force the action in round two. She landed a right, and left but ate a combination coming in. Taylor used movement to outbox and dodge and duck some of Lainardatou’s wild swings. Taylor returned to her corner with swelling over her right eye.

Taylor let her hands go in round three. The stronger Linardatou chased but was clocked with a check hook. Linardatou went to the ribs, but Taylor had done a little better.

In rounds four and five, Taylor set her up her right with solid jabs. A couple of uppercuts also landed. Linardatou pushed forward but hitting Taylor solidly was problematical. Taylor, used the ring, stopped and popped. Linardatou looked gassed at the bell.

Taylor,33, continued to box effectively in rounds six. She connected with a sharp combination. She went to the body as Linardatou swung for the fences. The champion was frustrated.

Rounds seven and eight were more of the same. Taylor was sharp and on point. Linardatou,31, landed a couple of good shot to the ribs. Taylor moved away and fired back. A right landed. Linardatou was pursuing Taylor in a straight line. Taylor would move to her left or right, keeping Linardatou off balance. Linardatou cracked Taylor with hard left. Linardatou landed another right in the opening seconds of round nine.

Taylor bounced and boxed. Linardatou was really pushing her, but Taylor’s legs were keeping out of danger.

Linardatou tried to land a fight changing blow in round 10, but Taylor boxed well, peppering her with lefts and rights.

“Making history and being a two-way world champion is amazing,” said a teary eyed Taylor as her fans roared."Thank You for supporting me."