The Irish boxer successfully defended her lightweight crown, winning all ten rounds on all judges scorecards (100-89 x3) in the co-main event of Lara v Warrington 2.

The fight was not the most entertaining but the result improves the resumé of the 35-year-old Taylor, who was fighting in the birthplace of her father.

Taylor started off on the front foot acting as the aggressor from the opening bell, using her jab well and reading Han’s moves.

Han began finding success with her punches in the second round and the back-and-forth theme continued over the next few rounds.

The former IBF Featherweight champion did not look rusty after 19 months without a fight but Taylor was one step ahead for much of the fight.

Both fighters traded periods of dominance in each round from 2-5 but the champion took all rounds on the scorecards – Han was at her most aggressive in these rounds and spent extended periods on the front foot.

Han’s defence was strong initially but the American started to fight looser and Taylor punished her for it and imposed her dominance with confidence from round five onwards.

As Taylor started to dominate proceedings, her 38-year-old opponent began to tire, in contrast to Taylor, who looked comfortable throughout.

The fight regressed into a one-sided climax as the final five rounds grew more one-sided with each bell.

Taylor searched for the stoppage but could not get it as her Texan opponent survived the ten rounds to take the loss on the scorecards.

In the main event, Josh Warrington’s fight against Mauricio Lara was declared a technical draw after two rounds.

An accidental headbutt from the Brit opened a cut above Lara’s eye and the ringside doctor deemed the Mexican unfit to continue.

The post Katie Taylor Retains Lightweight Belts In UD Victory Over Han appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The popularity of Gaelic Games and the achievements of Dublin in winning six in-a-row are all reflected in the most recent TSSI survey.

The TSSI is a comprehensive 1,000 person nationally representative survey with quotas imposed across gender, region, age and social class. The research was carried out by Teneo’s Sports and Sponsorship team and iReach. It examines the Irish general public’s attitudes towards sport and their sporting heroes. This is the view of the general public and not a survey of sports fans. It is the eleventh year of the TSSI and the research was carried out between January 14-19.

Most Admired Sports Star

Katie Taylor makes it a four in-a-row of wins in Ireland’s most Admired Sport Star category. It’s the sixth time in eight years that she has topped this particular poll. The only other winners in that time are the now-retired former Ireland rugby captain Paul O’Connell in 2015 and MMA fighter Conor McGregor in 2016.

Taylor is a clear winner with a 30% the votes, well ahead of second placed Ireland rugby captain Jonathan Sexton (6%). Shane Lowry placed third on 5%, with Joe Canning, Pádraig Harrington, Conor Murray and Sam Bennett all sharing fourth spot with 4%

Team of the Year

This was a closely fought contest between two of the finest teams of the modern era in Gaelic Games. Dublin’s six in-a-row winning footballers just edged out Limerick’s All-Ireland winning hurlers.

The Dubs got 24% of the vote – only one percent ahead of Limerick on 23%. In 2020, Leinster Rugby weren’t far off the top two and finished in third place on 20% of the vote thanks to their unbeaten Pro14 season. Dublin’s ladies footballers came fourth with 12% after they made it an All-Ireland four in-a-row. Dundalk FC fill out the top five with 10% of the vote having made this season’s Europa League group stage.

Favourite Sport

The big three of Gaelic Games, rugby and soccer continue to dominate in the favourite sport category. Gaelic Games grew in popularity in 2020 and remain Favourite Sport for the third year on the bounce. Soccer had been the nation’s number one for eight years in succession from 2010, when the TSSI research was first carried out.

Gaelic Games (football, ladies, hurling and camogie) won 24% support, ahead of soccer (men and women’s) on 14%. Following a decade of great on-field success, rugby (men’s and women’s) remains popular on 13%.

Tennis and cycling both enjoy healthy followings in Ireland and were voted joint-third on 5%, just ahead of athletics and golf on 3%.

When it comes to sport that people “like”, but that isn’t necessarily their favourite sport, tennis (18%) golf (15%), athletics (13%), horse racing (13%) and boxing (12%) all poll strongly.

Most Memorable Sporting Moment

Katie Taylor fought a second war with title challenger Delfine Persoon last August. The Irish public voted the moment her hand was raised in victory as the most memorable sporting moment of 2020.

This moment picked up 32% of the public vote. Cyclist Sam Bennett’s sprint victory on the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris was second on 15%.

Tipperary’s historic Munster Senior Football Championship win over Cork picked up 11% of the vote for third place.

Looking ahead to 2021

The Irish sporting public is hoping for a packed sporting calendar in 2021. The delayed Tokyo Olympic Games is the event the nation is most looking forward to, with 20% of the votes. Second in the running is the forthcoming Six Nations, which polled 17%.

Next on the list are the All-Ireland Senior Hurling (14%) and All-Ireland Senior Football Championships (11%). Combined, all four Gaelic games’ All-Ireland championships (including camogie on 3% and ladies football on 2%) gather 30% of the vote.

Rounding out the top five is Euro 2020, another major competition carried over from last year, on 10%.

The post Katie Taylor remains Ireland’s most admired sports star appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This Saturday, boxing history will be made

A women's world title triple header headlined by @KatieTaylor

7pm, Saturday, Sky Sports Arena pic.twitter.com/mLdYOCHY8e

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 11, 2020

Taylor’s convincing win over Persoon silenced critics after a closely contested first bout between the pair. Now the Bray native heads into Saturday’s fight aiming to defend her lightweight championship title once again.

Who is Miriam Gutierrez?

The 37-year-old boasts an impressive professional boxing record, winning all thirteen of her fights to date, with five of them won by knockout. However just under a year has passed since Gutierrez last fought.

Earlier in 2019 the Spaniard went ten rounds against British boxer Sam Smith. Smith believes that Gutierrez will enter Saturday’s fight fully prepared, whilst also highlighting her ability to adapt quickly when in the ring. Nevertheless, Smith went onto add that “she (Gutierrez) didn’t have anything there that would worry you”.

Creating a Legacy

Speaking to BBC Sport, Katie Taylor outlined what legacy she wants to leave behind:  “I want those young girls to be multiple-time world champion and multiple-time Olympic champion. I want to inspire the next generation to dream big dreams”. But retirement is not on Taylor’s agenda. The 34-year-old still wants to headline in her home country before thinking about calling it a day.

Yet for now, focus is on retaining her title on Saturday against Gutierrez.

Where to watch, start time and live stream details

As part of Sky Sports’ initiative in supporting women’s sport, this weekend’s fight card will be free to air via Sky Sports Youtube and Facebook channels as well as skysports.com. The action commences at 7pm on Saturday night.

The post Katie Taylor vs Miriam Gutierrez – Preview, Live Stream & Start time appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Taylor’s opponent will be 37-year-old Spaniard Miriam Gutierrez. Gutierrez called for the fight as far back as March. Furthermore, she has been vocal about her admiration for Taylor. Previously, she praised the Bray fighter for her past successes. In addition to this, she said “I would like to fight against the greatest, which is Katie Taylor”.

Gutierrez only turned professional three years ago. Since then, she has accumulated an undefeated record in her 13 fights. These include 5 knock-out wins. Gutierrez, nicknamed ‘La Reina’, combines her boxing with her role as councilor for women of the Partido Popular in the Torrejón City Hall outside Madrid. She was the subject of domestic violence when she was just 21 and eight months pregnant. As a result, she works against gender violence in Spain.

Last November, Gutierrez claimed the interim WBA belt by defeating the Venezuelan Keren Batiz. Therefore, Taylor must fight Gutierrez next.

Speaking to Boxing Social Website Matchroom, Eddie Hearn stated “Katie Taylor has to fight her WBA mandatory next, which is (Miriam) Gutierrez. That will be on a stand-alone card in November that will be announced shortly.”

November 14th is the date earmarked for the fight. Sky Sports will broadcast the bout. Otherwise, DAZN are broadcasting the game for US viewers. No venue has been confirmed yet. But, the fixture will likely take place in the UK. Therefore, it will also be behind closed doors in accordance with government guidelines.

Taylor on top of her game

There will be two other title fights on the card. Initially, Eddie Hearn was planning for an all-women’s card but the Bray Bomber was not a fan of the idea.

“I spoke to Katie Taylor about an all-women’s card. I thought that was a really good idea. Katie Taylor looked at me like she wanted to punch me when I said that. When I started thinking about it, I understand what’s she’s saying.

“What they’re fighting for, away from the world championship, is equality. It’s not women’s boxing and men’s boxing – it’s boxing.”

Last month, Taylor fought Belgian Delfine Persoon in Essex. The rematch came after the Irish fighter’s win in Madison Square Garden last year was followed by controversy. Taylor won on a majority decision. Yet, many others marked the fight in Persoon’s favour. However, this time Persoon accepted that she was well beaten.

That win stretched Taylor’s record to 17-0 (6 KOs). She holds the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine Lightweight world titles.

Miriam Gutierrez is no dark horse for Katie Taylor to fight in November. It will be a proper test for the 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist.

What a fight!

Katie Taylor beats Delfine Persoon to retain undisputed world lightweight titles

Report https://t.co/2JAKheB61C#BBCBoxing #TaylorPersoon2 pic.twitter.com/ShkgX7Obwm

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) August 22, 2020

https://twitter.com/BBCSPORTNI/status/1297290559757967360

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/rugby_irish/irelands-scrum-half-battle/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht0KhYgEyQE

The post Katie Taylor next fight set for November appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It’s a rematch between the two fighters after they met last year in Madison Square Garden in a controversial fight. Taylor got the win on points but on evidence the fight should have gone to Persoon. In fact, Persoon was quite furious after the fight as she believed she had done enough to win the fight.

Katie Taylor was due to meet Amanda Serrano. But a deal failed to materialise. This led to Matchroom Boxing and Taylor’s promoter, Eddie Hearn seesrching elsewhere for a fight for the Bray woman. The fight will now be apart of the Fight Camp, which is a series of fights behind closed doors in Essex in England.

Taylor speaking to the media about the fight said, “With Amanda Serrano not taking the fight I wanted the biggest fight possible in August and I think a second Persoon fight is one that everyone wants to see”. She continued, “I’ve been looking forward to a rematch ever since the first fight and I’m delighted it’s been made”. Taylor stated the first fight between them was “very close” and felt she done enough to win the fight but she will know doubts this time around.

Belgian boxer Persoon was also looking forward to the rematch. She said, “I am ready to get the victory following the injustice last June in New York, not by words but in the ring – I am ready.”

The fight will be on the same card as Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin. The fight will be also be shown on Sky Sports television.

The post Taylor v Persoon fight confirmed for August 22nd appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The rematch with Persoon looks inevitable with the boxers promoter Eddie Hearn tweeting a link to the Persoon fight last summer, under which Katie Taylor commented “Let’s Go”. Taylor has already been confirmed on the same card as Dillian Whyte v Alex Povetkin on August 22nd. However, her opponent has yet to be announced for this. Katie who was a gold medalist at the London Olympics in 2012 was also due to fight Amanda Serrano in May, however, the deal and arrangement fell through.

Speaking to Sky Sports Eddie Hearn said, “We are working hard on the Taylor versus Persoon rematch for August 22,”. He continued, “Katie wants the biggest fights out there and when [Amanda] Serrano pulled out, Katie immediately asked about the Persoon rematch”. “The first fight was one of the best I’ve ever seen live and as a fan I would love to see it again. Whyte versus Povetkin and Taylor versus Persoon 2 is an epic double header – let’s see if we can get it done.”

Eddie Hearn has said in a recent interview that he and his team have made three offers to Persoon for the fight.” We’ve made three offers to Delfine Persoon. It’s close, it’s close.” Hearn continued, “It’s a much bigger fight because of the controversy from the first fight,”.

He said,” Katie Taylor is a legacy fight. When you look at the world, the only thing I can guarantee Katie Taylor if we can get Persoon over the line is, we can do it now. Can we do it in October or November? I don’t know. But I know we’ve got a slot in August. I think she’ll be up for it.”

The post Taylor looks set for rematch with Persoon appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

20. Ireland 1-0 Italy, Euro 2016.

Our first tournament win in fourteen years. Martin O’Neill’s men never gave Italy a look in during the whole game. But, Ireland were spurning their chances. Wes Hoolahan missed a sitter after just six minutes. However, Hoolahan redeemed himself five minutes from time.

A glorious cross from the hand side sailed over the Italy defenders and Robbie Brady glided in behind them to just knick it around Sirigu in the Italian net. I guarantee you remember it well.

19. All-Ireland Hurling Final decided by hawkeye – 2014.

In 2014, Tipperary and Kilkenny were staunch Hurling rivals. As a result, when the 2014 Championship final threw up these two teams it was scheduled to be one for the ages.

And it didn’t disappoint. Tied 31 apiece with time up, John O’Dwyer had a free for Tipperary 93 metres out. When he hit it, the umpires sent the decision to hawkeye which was being used for the first year ever. The whole country went silent as the shot was replayed in Croke Park and deemed to be wide.

Kilkenny won the replay by three points.

18. Tyrone’s Maiden All-Ireland – 2003.

On 28th September 2003, Mickey Harte took Tyrone to All-Ireland glory for the first time. In the final, Tyrone beat Armagh 0-12 to 0-9 to wash away the pain of final defeats in 1986 and ’95.

Furthermore, Peter Canavan was the man who lifted the Sam Maguire for Tyrone that day. The footballing legend had been a part of the 1995 defeat and was already considered one of the game’s greats. The sight of a red and white sea flooding the field after the game showed just how much it meant to the people from Tyrone.

17. Dublin vs Mayo All-Ireland Final – 2017.

Dublin vs Mayo was the greatest rivalry of the 2010s. In 2015, the Dubs beat Mayo in a semi-final replay on route to their first of 5 in a row. Likewise, the sides met in the 2016 final and needed a replay to be separated. So, when the 2017 final reproduced this fixture, expectations were high.

Thankfully, it turned out to be one of the best football finals in recent memory. With it looking like a draw would be required again, Dean Rock had a free-kick to win it. He made it despite Lee Keegan throwing his GPS tracker in an attempt to throw the Dublin forward off. That was Dublin’s third All-Ireland in a row and fifth in seven years.

16. Leinster’s Heineken Cup Final comeback – 2011.

Another famous Irish Heineken Cup win. Two years after winning the competition in ’09, Leinster failed to show up in the first-half of 2011’s final against Northampton Saints. To illustrate, it was 22-6 at half-time and Leinster looked on course for an embarrassing defeat.

But, a rousing Johnny Sexton team talk spurred Leinster into action. The man himself scored 22 second-half points as they held the English team scoreless to make a famous comeback. It ended 33-22.

15. Darren Clarke wins the British Open – 2011.

42-year-old Darren Clarke shot an even-par 70 in the final round to win his first major championship by three shots in 2011. In a tough week at Royal St. George’s, Clarke kept his head when all about him were losing theirs.

14. Katie Taylor becomes World Champion – 2017.

“It’s by far the biggest night of my career,” were the Bray natives’ words after claiming the WBA Lightweight Title. The unanimous win over Argentina’s Anahi Esther Sánchez just eleven months after turning pro made her the most successful women’s boxer of all time.

13. Conor McGregor knocks out José Aldo – 2015.

McGregor-mania was at its peak in 2015. Therefore, his fight against the undefeated Brazilian José Aldo was coined as ‘the most highly anticipated featherweight fight of all time’.

After 13 seconds it was over. McGregor landed his notorious left hook to knock out Aldo and set the record for the shortest title fight.

12. Dublin make it five-in-a-row – 2019.

After Dublin’s famous battles with Mayo, they coasted to a fourth Championship in succession in 2018. Then, a record five-in-a-row was on the cards in 2019. But, Kerry were the opposition and Dublin had to work for the record. Firstly, the sides played out a thriller that included a red card, a missed penalty, and a Kerry comeback to send the game to a replay. Next, an Eoin Murchan goal separated the sides straight from the throw-in for the second-half in the replay and Dublin won their fifth title in as many years, making history in the process.

11. The O’Donovan’s Olympic Silver Medal – 2016.

At the Rio Olympics in 2016, Irish brothers Gary and Paul O’Donovan captured Irish hearts after claiming the silver medal in the lightweight double-skulls.

The Cork brothers’ silver medal was the first rowing medal ever won by Ireland at the Olympics. Two years later, they won gold at the World Rowing Championships. The pairs’ quirky and colloquial interviews are class to listen to.

10. Tiger Roll wins back-to-back Grand Nationals – 2019.

Before 2019, no horse had won back-to-back Grand Nationals since Red Rum in 1973 and ’74. Trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Michael O’Leary, Tiger Roll won the Aintree Grand National in 2018. Despite no horse winning successive Grand Nationals in 45 years, Tiger Roll took the title of favourite into the 2019 Grand National. Davy Russell was the jockey on both occasions and in 2019 the duo made history by winning again.

9. Ireland’s Cricketers beat England – 2011.

Many wouldn’t have even known Ireland were facing England in the Cricket World Cup on the 2nd of March in 2011. The Irish weren’t given a chance of winning and the first half of the match didn’t suggest it being any different. By that stage, they had 111 runs, and had lost five wickets. England had posted a huge total of 328.

That’s when former electrician Kevin O’Brien came in and played out of his skin. 113 from 63 balls dragged Ireland back into it leaving them needing just 11 from 11 by the time he was done.

8. Ireland beat the All-Blacks at Soldier Field – 2016.

After coming close to beating the All-Blacks in Dublin in 2013, there had been a lingering feeling that had Ireland had the potential to defeat the prestigious rugby giants going to Chicago in 2016.

That’s exactly what happened. Ireland went up by 30-8 early and despite a second-half fightback from New Zealand, Ireland finished stronger. A 40-29 victory was Ireland’s first over the all-blacks.

7. Dublin’s All-Ireland Win – 2011.

The Dubs hadn’t won an All-Ireland since 1995. In the 2011 final they were up against an incredible Kerry team and it was 1-11 each as the game went into stoppage time. Then, Kevin McManamon won a free 40 yards out.

Up came Stephen Cluxton. It was into the hill, it was for the win, and it went over. Love them or hate them it was an incredible win. That began their dominance of the football Championship.

6. Padraig Harrington British Open Win – 2007.

Harrington had a two-shot lead standing on the 72nd hole at Carnoustie. But, a double-bogey suggested he had blown his chances of a first major. However, Sergio Garcia couldn’t capitalise on Harrington’s mistake and the pair went to a four hole play-off.

That’s when Harrington came to life and when he had a two-shot lead on the 18th again, he kept his cool and won the Claret Jug.

5. Munster Heineken Cup win vs Biarritz – 2006.

After losing Heineken Cup Finals in 2000 and 2002, the pressure on Munster in the 2006 decider was huge. Then, after just three minutes, Biarritz scored the first try and it looked like Munster might fall short again. However, two first-half tries flipped the scoreboard in the Irish province’s favour. Famously, Peter Stringer scored off the back of a scrum to give Munster a lead that they would hold onto.

Likewise, Ronan O’Gara was flawless off the tee to banish the demons of two lost finals. Just look at the scenes in Limerick when Munster get over the line.

4. Ireland host England in Croke Park – 2007.

For the first time ever, Croke Park played host to Ireland’s rugby team in 2007 as Landsdowne Road was being transformed into the Aviva.

For context, this was Ireland vs England, playing an English sport, in the headquarters of Ireland’s National game, after all of the history between the two countries. Hearing ‘God Save the Queen’ in Croke Park was spine-tingling stuff. But, when it was time for ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ and ‘Ireland’s Call’, you could tell it was fifteen England players against a whole country.

A 43-13 win for the Irish makes this one of the most memorable days in recent Irish history.

3. Katie Taylor wins gold at the Olympics – 2012.

By the time of the 2012 Olympics, it was well-known that Katie Taylor had shaped much of her life around the Olympics. Hence, when she beat Russia’s Sofya Ochigava in the lightweight boxing final it was celebrated by all of Ireland. The Bray native “lifted the spirits of a nation” according to Michael D. Higgins. The fight made Taylor one of Ireland’s most prominent sports stars and she has only gone from strength to strength since, proving herself in the ring professionally.

2. Connacht win the Pro12 – 2016.

In 2016, Pat Lam oversaw Connacht to their first ever major trophy as they won the Pro12 in a historic season for the western province. A successful league campaign that included a win over Leinster and a double over Munster qualified them for the League semi-finals where they faced holders Glasgow. Led by John Muldoon, Connacht won to set up a final with a star-studded Leinster team.

In the final, Connacht executed their game plan perfectly and showed no sign of nerves in their first ever final. Connacht won 20-10 thanks to three tries by a terrific back three of Tiernan O’Halloran, Matt Healy and Niyi Adeolokun.

1. Ireland’s Grand Slam – 2009.

Here’s the scene: Wales 15-14 Ireland, 77 minutes gone, Ireland going for the first Grand Slam. Up steps Ronan O’Gara and slots a drop goal.

However, it’s easy to forget that Stephen Jones had a long-range penalty just after to flip the score again. Thankfully, he missed that kick and Ireland won their first Grand Slam of the 6 Nations era.

Honourable Mentions.

Sonia O’Sullivan 2000 Olympic Silver Medal.

Brian O’Driscoll’s hat-trick vs France – 2000.

Ireland 1-0 Germany 2015.

Ireland’s cricketers beating Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup.

2010 All-Ireland Hurling Final: Tipperary stopping Kilkenny’s five-in-a-row.

2010 Leinster Final: Louth vs Meath.

Clare’s 2013 All-Ireland Hurling win.

Rory McIlroy’s British Open – 2014.

Galway vs Kilkenny All-Ireland Hurling Final – 2015.

Ireland beat the All-Blacks in Dublin – 2018.

Ireland Grand Slam – 2018.

Shane Lowry wins the British Open – 2019.

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv-k5u6UjT

The post 20 in 20: Top 20 Irish Sporting Moments since 2000 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The fight itself will be on the same card as the Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin in the heavyweight division. The news was confirmed on Friday by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing on social media. In a tweet Matchroom Boxing said, “The biggest female fight of all time!! #TaylorSerrano lands on May 2nd – undisputed champ v 7 division champion – huge respect to both giving the fans what we want”. 

The biggest female fight of all time!! #TaylorSerrano lands on May 2nd – undisputed champ v 7 division champion – huge respect to both giving the fans what we want!!! @skysportsboxing @manchesterarena @loudibella #WhytePovetkin pic.twitter.com/OlhCluw1SM

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) March 6, 2020

That certainly will now guarantee Taylor a significant pay day. However, the fight will not be on free to air, meaning if you want to watch the fight you will have to pay for it through the box office. Serrano from Puerto Rico is a tough teak opponent here record is impeccable. From 40 fights she has 38 wins, 28 KO’s and 1 loss. The 31 year old currently holds the WBO and WBC Featherweight titles.

The fight will take place at the Manchester Arena. Taylor will put her 4 belts on the line also. Taylor has fought Cindy Serrano, a sister of Amanda, the Bray woman came out on top 100-90 on all three judges scorecards. Serrano has already begin to start stirring the fight. Just last month speaking to Sirius XM she said Taylor is an “average fighter”. She continued, “She’s an average woman, she’s a girl. I mean, my trainer, Jordan (Maldonado), saw it when she was in there with my sister”.

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