The Ring magazine has listed Katie Taylor as the top female pound-for-pound boxer in the world following her conclusive title defence against Miriam Gutierrez last weekend.
Taylor knocked her opponent to the canvas en route to a punch-perfect unanimous decision win against the previously undefeated Spaniard to claim her 17th win as a professional, defended each of the major titles in the lightweight division in the process.
The Bray woman was listed in second place in the pound-for-pound rankings when they were first issued for the women’s boxing in August, with US boxer Claressa Shields — also an Olympic gold winner like Taylor — in the top position. However, Taylor’s win last weekend, as well as a four-year pro career in which she has claimed five world title in two separate divisions, has moved her into first place.
“It’s great to be considered the pound-for-pound number one,” Taylor said. “It’s a very satisfying way to end the year. It’s obviously been a very difficult year for everyone due to the pandemic so it’s been great to have had the opportunity to get two fights in.
“Hopefully next year I can be even busier. There are so many great fights and challenges out there for me and I’m so excited about what’s to come.”
As for those challenges, it is likely that seven-weight world champion Amanda Serrano would be the first choice for Taylor, but other options include Bellator champ Cris Cyborg and the winner of the upcoming fight between Jessica McCaskill and Cecilia Braekhus.
