Ireland has another two-weight world champion.

Katie Taylor broke down the tough Dominican-born Greek Linardatou over ten rounds in Manchester on Saturday night, earning a scores of 96-94 and 97-93 (x2) to add a super-lightweight world title to the lightweight championships she unified during the summer. In doing so Taylor becomes just the third Irish boxer to hold world titles in two weight divisions after Steve Collins and Carl Frampton, while Conor McGregor achieved the same in mixed martial arts.

Bray’s Taylor underlined her status as one of Ireland’s finest ever sports stars with a measured, skilful performance which in all likelihood could have led to a wider margin on the scorecards. Credit, though, must go to Linardatou who started the fight strong and likely won the first round before a large swelling appeared on Taylor’s right eyebrow.

What a fighter @KatieTaylor!
5 time world champion across 2 weight classes. Wow! #Inspiration

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 2, 2019

Former Olympic champion Taylor soon showed her ability. As Linardatou’s probing attempts became a little more readable, Taylor began to utilise superior footwork to move out of the way of the Greek’s swinging blows, all while landing effective straight shots down the middle.

As the fight wore on, Linardatou lost her mouthpiece on a few occasions — a sure sign that she was tiring.

In the tenth, Linardatou’s coaching staff visibly attempted to buoy their fighter for a three-minute onslaught to end the fight but again it was the Irishwoman who was able to keep her at bay. When the final bell came Linardatou threw her arms into the air but there was little doubt as to who the victor was.

Katie Taylor, two-weight world champion. More challenges await and, you feel, even more history will come with it.