Katie Taylor Batters Rose Volante in Philly

Katie Taylor Stops Brazil’s Rose Volante to Gather Third Lightweight Title

 

By David A. Avila

Saving her best for that extra gear, Katie Taylor dominated Brazil’s Rose Volante and won by stoppage in the ninth round to snatch her third world title in the battle of undefeated lightweights on Friday.

One more title to go.

Taylor (13-0, 6 KOs) gave her best performance against her best opponent in more than a year by battering Volante (14-1) and taking the WBO lightweight title at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. She now has the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.

All that remains for her in the lightweight division is Belgium’s undefeated WBC titlist Delfine Persoon.

Volante attacked aggressively at the opening bell and was looking to land one of her powerful rights. Instead, during a fierce exchange she was hit with a Taylor right and down she went in the first round. The 36-year-old Brazilian got up and had a look of surprise. The fight resumed and Taylor was in control.

Those familiar with Volante realized she was the most dangerous puncher Taylor had faced since meeting then unknown Jessica McCaskill. But 16 months ago, few realized that the Chicago hitter would eventually win the super lightweight world title. Now, here was a known knockout puncher and though she didn’t often connect, more than a few landed on Taylor. She barely flinched.

“She does have a lot of pop,” said Taylor, 32, smiling. “I have a good chin.”

Other than the occasional right cross, Volante’s most effective blows were to the body especially in the seventh round. But it was clear that Taylor was in full cruise control and allowing the Brazilian to come forward. Still, Taylor used her speed and flurries to score easily in almost every round.

In the ninth round during an exchange of blows Taylor’s head clashed into Volante’s nose and the Brazilian immediately turned to the referee who did not see the butt. Referee Benji Estevez incorrectly called it a technical knockout instead of a technical stoppage. Still, it looked inevitable that Ireland’s Taylor was going to stop Volante if she pressed hard. The fight was stopped at 1:40 of the ninth round giving Taylor her sixth knockout win.

Who’s next?

Taylor let it be known clearly who she wants.

“My goal is to be undisputed world champion,” said Taylor adding that she wants WBC titlist Persoon who last week successfully defended her title a ninth time. “We have to get that fight on.”

It’s finally getting exciting now as Taylor showed what she can do against top competition…dominate.