Katie Taylor returned to the ring eight months after taking women’s boxing to new levels in Madison Square Garden, New York, when she scored a historic hard-fought win over Amanda Serrano.

At a raucous Wembley Arena, Taylor defeated Argentine underdog Karen Carabajal by scores of 100-91, 99-91 and 98-92 to retain her undisputed lightweight championship.

(Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

The Irish star’s speed of hand and foot was superior, but Carabajal was able to score with the right hand in the opener. Taylor was landing the left hook frequently through the second, but the rangy Carabajal, who’d spent most of her career at feather and junior lightweight and who had not fought outside of Argentina before, was well in the fight.

There was two-way action in the third and fourth. Taylor was in the ascendency, but she was taking shots for her efforts and there were signs Carabajal was not going anywhere.

It was fast-paced, and although Taylor was in control, she couldn’t deter the challenger, who kept coming through the middle rounds, walking through as many overhand rights as Taylor could throw.

Carabajal bled by the right eye in the ninth round after the fighters bumped heads, but even though she was game and capable, the Argentine was always a step behind. Carabajal is now 19-1 while Taylor moves to 22-0.

“She was a tough fighter, very smart and very awkward,” said Taylor, who is hoping for a lucrative second fight with Serrano next.

“We want the fight at Croke Park, 80,000 people; that will be the biggest event in women’s boxing history,” Taylor added.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said, “Ireland has to be next for Katie Taylor. It’s time to give Ireland a sporting event they will never forget.”

Congratulations @KatieTaylor 2023 We Dance AGAIN!