Persoon gives Katie Taylor run for her money
Belgian boxing champ Define Persoon has failed in her bid to inflict a first defeat on Ireland's Katie Taylor. Taylor won by a jury decision.
All commentators are agreed this was a world class bout and a prime example of the heights women's boxing can reach.
The result in a hostile Madison Square Garden is a clear disappointment for Persoon. She got off to a great start countering Taylor's ferocious opening attacks. In the fifth round she even managed to take control to the clear anger of the hostile audience of Irish Americans that had turned out in force to support the former Olympic champion. It was an opportunity for Taylor to show that she could not only attack but also take punches.
The audience was clearly not disappointed by the two women's prowess. By the start of the last round Persoon was lagging somewhat behind, but had saved her best for last. Like a berserker she charged at Taylor, who at moments seemed to falter. Sadly the WBC champion failed to inflict a decisive blow.
Both women clearly expected the jury to side in their favour. The decision in favour of Taylor was met by disbelief in the Persoon camp that had spoken of harassment ahead of the match. Two jurors gave Taylor a slight advantage, while the third voted in favour of a draw. Persoon's good performance heightens her chances of a rematch, the prospect of which has already been mooted in the Taylor camp.
Persoon shone and after the match there were clear doubts Taylor had ever had to fight such a high level opponent before. The jury decision, though, brought her to tears, and she refused to comment after the bout.
