TAYLOR’S REVENGE AND BENAVIDEZ’S BATTERING

Katie Taylor and David Benavidez were the weekend’s winners as one set of undisputed titles changed hands, whilst another became locked in the latest crosshairs. 

For Taylor, revenge over Chantelle Cameron was arguably her finest hour, and yet it came at her most uncertain moment - 37 years of age, and with a boxing backlog of high tempo affairs, Saturday night’s plot seemed more likely to be a swansong for the home hero. 

Instead, Taylor joined an elite club of two-weight undisputed champions in the four-belt era. 

Taylor knew she would have to approach differently from the pair’s first meeting in May, when Cameron’s fast start manufactured a sizable lead, one Taylor - even with a late resurgence - couldn’t catch. 

This time around it was Taylor who flew out of the blocks. 

That’s not to say she wasn’t troubled, however, as the defending champion knocked Taylor down with a jab in the first, incorrectly labelled a slip by referee Roberto Ramirez. 

As the fight moved on, Taylor was extending her lead, throwing in threes and fours to Cameron’s ones and twos. Any question marks over her desire to exchange could be buried. 

Cameron did have a deep gash open up on her forehead in the fifth, but this didn’t muddle the message, she was making Taylor work ferociously for every inch. 

Taylor herself had some eye swelling, but instead of retreating, she held her ground and swung it out with Cameron. It was as graceless as it was entertaining.  

Come the final round, Taylor had to simply avoid any threat in order to exact revenge. 

And she did precisely that. 

Two judges’ scorecards overruled a 95-95 draw, meaning Taylor got her hands on the undisputed titles for second time. A memorable moment in front of a euphoric Irish crowd. 

Cameron may well feel hard done by, and she has a right to be. Twice she has fought on away soil as a B-side champion who was brought to be beat. 

But she is a warrior who can hold her head high. 

For Taylor, the dream of fighting at Croke Park sits as the final piece on her boxing bucket list. 

So, 80,000 fans packed in for the trilogy? Don’t mind if I do. 

To Las Vegas, and a statement performance from Benavidez. 

The ‘Monster’ thrashed Demetrius Andrade, sending a minacious message to undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez in the process. 

Andrade, who is as prudent in attack as he is accurate, boxed to instruction as the fight opened itself up at Mandalay Bay. However, Benavidez’s persistence gnawed at Andrade, who found himself on the canvas in round four. 

Once he had hit it, it seemed as if there was no going back. Two merciless rounds followed, forcing Andrade’s corner to remove him in fear of any further punishment. 

It was a ferocious performance, and one Benavidez needed to help reconstruct a reputation smeared by unprofessionalism. Now, at just 26, the unbeaten two-time world champion is entering what looks to be a long and successful prime. 

A high-volume fighter with a hulking frame, Benavidez will no doubt be giving even the division’s most assured their night terrors. 

Saturday night was also a sign of how many more strings there are to Benavidez’s bow. His ability to upset Andrade’s rhythm and exhaust his mental capacity was frightening. 

Now he must head towards Alvarez, whose May 4th date governs the boxing calendar. 

Alvarez is yet to choose his opponent, but may find that come next year, there isn’t a fight outside of Benavidez that will summon up as much enthusiasm within the boxing circle. 

You can count me in. 

Oscar Bevis