Friday 13 November 2020 10:28, UK
All the talking points following an action-packed, pulsating night at York Hall as Katie Taylor retained her world title, while Conor Benn survived two knockdowns to remain unbeaten...
Twice floored in a calamitous opening round and staring defeat in the face, 'The Destroyer' showed immense courage and heart to return to his feet, fight fire with fire, trading relentlessly at times, and ultimately maintain his unbeaten record by the skin of his teeth.
Time and time again Benn's lack of amateur experience has been pointed out by those around him, but a series of destructive knockout victories in recent months have almost silenced those now tell-tale signs. This was a stark reminder that the 21-year-old certainly is still a work in progress, a fighter with great potential, but one who still has a great deal to learn.
The negatives from the York Hall thriller against Cedrick Peynaud are obvious for the welterweight, but even after such a disappointing personal showing, positives can be taken. Heart, determination, a will to win and a will to entertain, Benn showed all four on Wednesday night and those innate features alone can take you a long way in such an unforgiving sport.
Katie Taylor again showed dazzling hand speed, beautifully timed movement in and out of range and smart ring craft, but this was no walk in the park for the Irish sensation as she successfully outpointed Chicago's Jessica McCaskill.
We have almost become accustomed to entirely dominant and supreme displays from Taylor, albeit in such a short pro career to date, but this was a new side to the lightweight queen. Despite her periods of dominance, on occasions she was chin-checked and rocked by the American brawler, forced to hold on and grind out a victory.
Taylor admitted afterwards that it was her toughest test to date. Much like her world title-winning bout two months ago, it was another thrilling showing and it is perhaps an exciting indicator for times ahead. The Bray star loves to fight and does not mind taking a shot to land her own, as she readily admitted after this win: "I was born to fight."
Kelly is just five fights into his pro career, but still, even after coming through his first 10 rounder against experienced and credible Frenchman Jean Michel Hamilcaro, a similar feeling resurfaces that the Sunderland welterweight should once again be stepped up.
'Pretty Boy' seems to have the lot, incredible skills, remarkable movement and a flamboyant style that is quickly grabbing the attention of fans and media everywhere. Trainer Adam Booth is confident that his charge can go all the way to the top, quickly at that, and who would doubt him. Titles will surely come next as one of Britain's most exciting talents continues his journey in what will likely be a show-stopping 2018.
Hype has surrounded Martin J Ward since he first turned professional but it has been a bumpy journey for the slick super-featherweight up to now. Narrow and somewhat frustrating victories at domestic level may have suggested that this step up against Spain's Juli Giner could prove Ward's undoing, but finally, the Brit delivered and a devastating right hand ended proceedings in style.
Ward now holds the European, British and Commonwealth titles at super-feather, an incredible achievement for any boxer. World level is the next step and in a division spear-headed by the almost invincible Vasyl Lomachenko, Ward seems a bit away from that territory. A battle with Liverpool's Stephen Smith is one that could make sense next, a classic crossroads clash by all accounts. For now though 'Wardy' will savour this immense achievement.
Joe Cordina (6-0) and Lawrence Okolie (7-0) will both be happy to have rounded off what has been an impressive maiden year in the paid ranks in style, two stoppage victories at York Hall again showing that these amateur standouts really are classy operators and like Josh Kelly, step ups in class are inevitable.
Okolie could face domestic rival Isaac Chamberlain in a hugely-anticipated cruiserweight clash next time out, while Cordina is already earmarked for titles. It does not seem a long time at all since these Rio Olympians switched to the professional format, but already their apprenticeship seems to be over as their fast-tracking up the rankings really starts to catch fire.
