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Anthony Joshua beats Carlos Takam via controversial tenth round stoppage: updates, results and reaction

Enough: Carlos Takam is stopped - Getty Images Europe
Enough: Carlos Takam is stopped - Getty Images Europe

Anthony Joshua retained his two heavyweight title belts here last night but this was a far from convincing performance, with many in the Principality Stadium feeling referee Phil Edwards had acted prematurely in stopping obdurate opponent Carlos Takam in the tenth round. 

Joshua had thrown everything at the super-sub with the tank-like physique and granite chin, but he was beginning to tire when Edwards stepped in to bring the fight to a close, much to Takam’s fury. 

At the end of it all the young man who is fast becoming a superstar now has a record which reads: 20 fights, 20 stoppages.

Yet this was far from perfect, and the 28 year old took great risks at times, exposing himself to counter punches which could cost the Briton in fights against the likes of WBC champion Deontay Wilder. He will know he has much to work on. 

Joshua vs Takam: The celebrities and champions as Cardiff puts on a party
Joshua vs Takam: The celebrities and champions as Cardiff puts on a party

There were mitigating circumstances as Joshua had his nose broken in the second round by Takam's forehead, although he had recovered sufficiently by the fourth to ensure his French-Cameroonian opponent had to take a standing count after being knocked down by a left hook. 

The punch opened a nasty cut above Takam’s right eye, and he was twice inspected by the ringside physician before it was all over. 

When it was finished, Joshua addressed the 80,000 crowd, looking forward while paying due respect to his opponent.

"What do you want, UK fans ? Wembley, Cardiff ? Las Vegas ? I just want to keep the sport growing," he said over the microphone, the entire stadium roaring to his every word.

Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Carlos Takam - Credit: PA
Belted: Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Carlos Takam Credit: PA

"I didn't have control of it, it was the ref's decision [to stop the fight]. Respect to Takam. He was like Evander Holyfield, ducking down, popping up.” 

Holyfield was not a bad comparison, and Joshua certainly learnt again from this performance. His ears may still be ringing from the screams of trainer Rob McCracken, who consistently urged his charge to box and not go for the knockout punch.

Takam, his face bloody and cut, was a warrior to the last and he was deeply vexed by the stoppage. 

"I don't know why the referee stopped the match,” he said. “I respect the champion and the UK fans, they are great fans and I am happy to box here. I don't why they stopped it. 

Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam - Credit: Getty
AJ uses his reach: Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam Credit: Getty

"I want a rematch, I make my preparations with 12 days to fight Anthony. I want a rematch, I want to box him again, I want him, he is a great champion.

Takam’s stock has undoubtedly risen, coming in as he did with just 12 days notice after Cubrat Pulev withdrew after suffering a shoulder injury. 

He could well be a re-match opponent, but that will be down the line. The sights of Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, are already fixed on unifying the heavyweight division. 

"AJ's told me he wants the belts. Deontay Wilder against Anthony Joshua has to happen," said Hearn after the bout. "There's also a great heavyweight called Tyson Fury. 

AJ Takam fight - Credit: Getty
Battle Credit: Getty

Anthony Joshua will give you the fights you want. Wilder, Fury, Joseph Parker - they're the 2018 fights. I don't think we should go abroad. But Anthony Joshua will fight anyone."

He had to fight for far longer than he expected to here. When the two fighters emerged it was into an electric atmosphere, particularly as local Welsh hero Joe Cordina had shone on the undercard.

But Takam proved a tough man to put down, with Joshua only able to put him away in the 10th when Edwards felt Takam had taken enough punishment after a right nearly knocked him off his feet. It seemed premature but Joshua’s bandwagon goes marching on. 

Katie Taylor celebrates victory after the WBA Lightweight World Championship contest against Anahi Sanchez at Principality Stadium - Credit: Getty
Top performance: Katie Taylor celebrates victory after the WBA Lightweight World Championship contest against Anahi Sanchez at Principality Stadium Credit: Getty

So, too, does Katie Taylor’s.  After just 11 months as a pro fighter, she defeated Anahi Sanchez to become the first Irish woman to hold a professional world title.

The lightweight fighter claimed the belt on points after twelve rounds, Sanchez removed from champion status after she had failed to make the weight on Friday.

Taylor had Sanchez hurt and down in the second round with a peach of a body shot, though the Argentine toughed it out and pushed the ferocious Taylor through the rounds. 

Broken nose AJ - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
Broken nose AJ Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

But this was a great moment in the career of Ireland's 'Raging Belle', who has now the triple accolade of being an amateur world champion, an Olympic gold medalist and now a champion in the professional ranks.

"It means more than words can express,” she said. “It was the biggest night of my career and a big learning curve for me. I got a bit wild times, I left myself open. It was a very tough fight, thank God I have come through it.”

"This is the start for me," added the 31-year-old." I want to dominate the lightweight division and unify these belts." The other highlight of the night was when Kal Yafai defended his WBA world super flyweight title against previously unbeaten Japanese fighter Sho Ishida, winning 118-110, 116-112, 116-112 on the cards after an exacting contest against a longer, taller opponent.

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4:00AM

Some fight stats for those who are interested

 

3:22AM

Zlat gets to hold the belts

Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems to have  been a happy spectator 

 

2:26AM

Derek 'Degsy' Hatton has his say

 

1:50AM

AJ pays tribute to a brave opponent

 

1:07AM

Paddy Power impressed by Takam

 

1:40AM

AJ gives his verdict in the post fight press conference

 

1:12AM

Sympathy for Takam from fellow boxer Carl Frampton

 

12:43AM

Could AJ face a superstar opponent?

Somebody is being a tad facetious on Twitter

12:06AM

Fellow Olympians hail Joshua's victory

Joshua won gold for Britain at the 2012 London Olympics and Team GB is hailing his latest victory

11:32PM

Carl Froch

"The sensible people who watch boxing would not argue with that stoppage. The barbarians, and I am a barbarian, want a dramatic finish. It is a matter of what you like. Nothing but praise for AJ, he had rounds in the bank."

We'll have further updates throughout the night, from me Alan Tyers, goodnight.

11:27PM

Matt Macklin

"I think it was a little bit flat if I am honest. It is not that he did anything bad, but sometimes if someone drops out then you are a bit flat."

11:26PM

Tony Bellew

"People want a definitive stoppage and they want blood, basically."

"Very difficult going from (preparing to fight) a big tall guy to a cute, slip and roll, James Toney much shorter guy."

"AJ had to adjust and improve as he goes on."

"Takam did fantastic. He had an opt out with that eye, but he did not take it. He has gained a lot in defeat."

11:26PM

Johnny Nelson

"I think in the first two rounds Anthony Joshua was trying to give the crowd a show and I don't think he will do that again."

"I don't think the referee should have stopped it, the three punches before it skimmed Takam and he was solid on his legs."

"If you are trying to bomb someone out with every shot, and they are cute... AJ wanted him out of there once the nose got broken."

11:23PM

Takam

I don't know why the referee stopped the match. I respect the fans, great fans. I am happy. The referee stopped it, for why? Yeah, I want a rematch.

Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam - Credit: Getty
AJ uses his reach: Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam Credit: Getty

11:22PM

Eddie Hearn

Deontay Wilder talks a lot but he doesn't have many fights. Tyson Fury should come back to the sport. Anthony Joshua will give you the fights you want and give the sport the fights it wants.

11:19PM

Anthony Joshua

Thank you Cardiff in coming. Not my job to worry about the referee it is my job to break my opponent down round by round. I think people want to see Takam unconscious on the ground, am I right? (Crowd cheers) And that was the point I was trying to get to. But I cannot control the referee.

He comes down and bobs up, like Holyfield. This is a championship, if I had not been able to breathe... then it would have been a massive disaster. But if I had showed any weakness the referee might have stepped in. That's what the ref did to him, he jumped in early.

It feels broken. My plans now? To get my nose cracked back into place, for starters.

I cannot fight Joe Bloggs from nowhere. I have obligations. Once I have done them I will fight anyone. My door is open to all challengers.

It's note my decision what happens outside the ring.

11:14PM

Did the referee stop it too early?

The debate will continue for some time. The bravery of Takam was not in doubt. Joshua hit him, a lot, and hard, but he took it. Could he have taken a bit more punishment? Probably yes. Was he likely to win the fight? Very probably not.

11:10PM

Takam is stopped in the tenth round

He is not a happy man. He is protesting bitterly to the referee. He was throwing punches back. Carl Froch: "Very tough one for the referee. Yes, he was throwing punches back. But it was only going to get worse. For me, he has been saved to fight another day."

11:10PM

Round 10

Takam coming at AJ now. He couldn't, could he? He's not necessarily landing pearlers but he is throwing punches and AJ is not looking in control. But here's AJ. He has cracked him with several excellent shots, right cross-hook, then another... The referee has stopped the fight.

Gareth: "Premature finish from the ref. A right hand nearly knocks Takam off his feet, and AJ attacks heavily but felt that referee Phil Edwards stepped in a tad early there... Takam still had a shout after a tiring Joshua."

11:06PM

Round 9

The round starts, the round is halted as the challenger needs further attention on his eye. I wonder how many more goes he's got with the medic before the ref says enough. Anyway, here they come again. In the centre of the ring, AJ looking to land but Takam is keeping his distance and AJ has to decide if he is going to go for the three-pointer, or just box this out and take the W. AJ has dropped  a gear, and Takam has clipped him with a hook.

AJ Takam fight - Credit: Getty
Battle Credit: Getty

Gareth: "First round I've awarded to Takam who really let his hands go in that 3-minute period and landed well with hooks and jabs on a slightly fading Joshua. This is an amazing performance from Takam, whose face was studied by the ringside physician between rounds. Takam 10-9"

11:00PM

Round 8

Will Joshua's superior conditioning begin to tell? A hold-up here as the strapping on AJ's glove comes loose. Perhaps 20 seconds hiatus....

And we're back...

Couple of thumping blows from AJ but Takam shakes his head and says "oh yeah?" or words to that effect. AJ seems a little muted in this round, and if he thought this was going to be a quick night's work then he has been disabused of that notion. No question whatsoever who is ahead on points, but this is not, at time of writing, particularly boosting Joshua's standing.

Gareth: "Vicious stuff. Left hook, body shot, left hook, from AJ. How is Takam taking this ?He replies with a left hook of his own. Ramrod jab there from Joshua. Takam, his face now busted up, complaining of a right hand to the stomach from AJ which he felt was low Joshua 10-9"

10:58PM

Round 7

Takam has more than held up his end of the bargain as the Designated Geezer That Is Not AJ. He's been cut above the other eye now, he looks a proper mess but this guy is here to do himself proud. Brave. And now he comes at AJ and gets a couple in. AJ cracks a fearsome left at Takam but he takes that as well. 

Gareth: "A huge right hand thudded into Takam in that round, but there is the sense that Joshua could be more patient, and more creative. He's looking to bust Takam - super sub with a granite chin - out of there, but leaves himself open at times. Dangerously so... Crowd slightly becalmed Joshua 10-9"

10:52PM

Round 6

Takam clings on, figuratively - and literally, to the waist of AJ. A quieter round this so far, a minute in. AJ seems to have put the nose thing behind him and now knows that he can take his time should he need to.

There's that AJ uppercut that retired Doctor Steelhammer! It lands, but this Takam is a tough customer, and he rides it. He stands firm, clinches, AJ looking for the finish but it will not come. Blood, bravery, broken bones, black eyes - and big hits.

Carl Froch: "Joshua is winning every round."

AJ lands - Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty

Gareth: "Joshua dominant again but McCracken urging AJ between rounds not to just go for the big shot. Taking risks... Joshua 10-9"

10:49PM

Round 5

Joshua senses the kill, and is hitting his opponent with an array of punches, the blood flows from above the eye of the African-Frenchman. Ref takes him to a corner to have a look. This guy is in trouble. I don't think this can last much longer unless they can staunch this bleeding. Takam, sensing it is do or die, hurls himself at AJ but cannot connect.

Joshua holds his opponent steady with his left hand and smacks the living daylights out of him with the right. It's a simple but effective technique. The fist smashes into Takam's head. But he is still on his feet. Takam attempting to throw some shots of his own but this is one-way traffic.

Gareth: "Doctor called in to look at Takam eye. It's ok. They touch gloves and AJ is on his foe again, advancing. They tie up. Takam still alive here, calling Joshua on, throwing with all his muscularity. Upper cuts and body shots as Takam bobs and weaves, AJ is widen open at times, but this is exciting... Joshua 10-9"

10:47PM

Takam hurt, bleeding

He is slow to come out for the next round

10:43PM

Round 4

Takam seems energised. Swings a left, not sure it fully landed. Joshua needs to take control, move him, dominate him. This is better. Moving his opponent around the ring now.

AJ looking more dominating now, putting some combinations together, and he's cut Takam. He's getting a mini count from the ref. He seems to have blood in his eye. Is he going to be able to carry on? Joshua has knocked him down with the left. Joshua coming at him again, he's walloped him again and the bell cannot come soon enough for the challenger.

Gareth: "Takam calls the champ on, in the fourth, and they are now both giving it everything. Takam cut over the eye by a right hand, referee Phil Edwards asking if Takam can continue. Joshua attacks hard assault, counter left hook puts challenger down. Standing count. Joshua 10-8"

10:41PM

Round 3

Neither man able to do much in the first half of this round.  Left from Takam, seems to rattle AJ, maybe he slipped.

Joshua is in it now, Takam has leveled the playing field here, by fair means or foul. Joshua's eyes streaming.

Gareth: "Takam lands a left hook to the back of the champion's head, but AJ lands with his own huge punches, looking for the jab-right hand one-two. Joshua 10-9"

10:36PM

Round 2

Takam has headbutted Josh on the nose. I think accidentally. (looking again i am not so sure) Joshua is bleeding. Now the first engagement - Joshua with a thumping left to the body, the crowd roar. He's starting to open up. He is also starting to bleed heavily. Takam jabs him in the nose. Wild lunge Takam. Froch: "I think his nose is broken."

Broken nose AJ - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
Broken nose AJ Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

"Just calm down," says AJ's corner.

Gareth A Davies: "Head clash. Takam head straight into the face of Joshua as throws upper cut to body. Joshua nose bleeding, probably broken. Heads into work now the champion, uppercuts and right hands, hooks coming. Much more aggressive, but Takam undeterred and looking for opening. That bleeding nose bothering him. Joshua 10-9 "

10:32PM

Round 1

Atmosphere is superb. Some fencing, some dancing. 30 seconds. Men sizing each other up. Nice short jab from Joshua. Froch: "as good as Joshua is, or as good as he thinks he is, you cannot rush into things."

Takam fighting off the back foot. Right to the body from AJ. Froch: "AJ is being careful because he is not too short what is in front of him. Takam not giving AJ much to work with."

Gareth A Davies: "Joshua quick to work, pressing Takam, the Cameroonian cagey, moving and circling outside. They exchanged left hooks, AJ pushing out with his right hand, feeling the range. Joshua cautious. Joshua 10-9."

10:30PM

78,000 people want to see AJ put on a show

They get their last instructions from the referee. They return to their corners. 

Joshua - Credit: PA
Ready to rumble: AJ earlier Credit: PA

10:30PM

The atmosphere

10:28PM

Let's get ready to rumble

says yer man. Indeed. Let us .

Anthony Joshua takes to the ring - Credit: Getty
Anthony Joshua takes to the ring Credit: Getty

10:26PM

AJ is the heaviest he has been

at 18 stone two pounds.

10:25PM

Joshua smiling and bumping fists

as he comes to the ring. He was in relaxed, jovial mood earlier. Now it has to be about all business.

10:24PM

To the strains 

of 'Nowhere To Run To'. Now don't get me wrong, I love a bit of Martha Reeves, but it's not exactly 'Enter Sandman', is it? Anyway. I guess if you're as big and tough as AJ you could walk out to Barbie Girl and still be a boss, so what do I know. Here he comes, then.....

10:22PM

But here comes the man they have all come to see

The roar begins. The challenger waits in the ring. The lights dim. Here's the MC, here's the words ANTHONY JOSHUA... and here comes the man himself.

10:19PM

Adam Smith

"He has nothing to lose. He is that big of an underdog. He is strong, tough, and at times he has been a real handful."

Takam himself walks slowly to the ring, a fist raised, a black and silver hood. He smiles. Big night for him.

10:17PM

Carlos Takam

Called to the ring. Oh but first! There's a Welshman shouting. "When you have butterflies they turn into dragons. They breathe fire." Sure. 

10:16PM

Heeeeeeere's Michael

Over to Mr Buffer.

10:12PM

Johnny Nelson

"When Joshua hits you, you stay hit. You stay hurt."

10:11PM

Matt Macklin

"It has been a little bit going through the motions tonight but I think this is going to be explosive. I think Takam is going to come out fast and I think Joshua is going to fight fire with fire."

10:05PM

AJ with Zlatan

Nice anecdote from Bellew. "AJ asked me if Zlatan had scored against Everton and I said there will be a problem if he does!" Zlatan said: "I'm alright I'm sticking with AJ"

10:01PM

Anthony Joshua v Vlad highlights

My God that was a fight. I really enjoyed that. I can't see how we can have anything that close  tonight (certainly AJ fans will be hoping not!) but we would all like to see something as explosive as that uppercut that sorted out Klitschko and propelled Joshua into the top ranks.

9:58PM

Anthony Joshua now

Here we go.

Katie from earlier...

Katie Taylor celebrates victory after the WBA Lightweight World Championship contest against Anahi Sanchez at Principality Stadium - Credit: Getty
Top performance: Katie Taylor celebrates victory after the WBA Lightweight World Championship contest against Anahi Sanchez at Principality Stadium Credit: Getty

9:57PM

Johnny Nelson

says that Whyte - who wins on points - is the sort of fighter who tends to fight at the pace his opponent fights. Helenius didn't do much, so Whyte couldn't.... get going, I guess. "Helenius didn't do himself any favours, he didn't do the fight any favours and he didn't do Whyte any favours either."

Bellew: "Helenius is at best a European level gatekeeper. He doesn't punch" and says that Whyte should have won much more impressively.

Macklin: "I don't know Tony, it is hard to look good against somebody who is only trying to survive."

9:50PM

Round 12

More of the same from Whyte, perhaps a tad more from Helenius, but I think most people will be happy enough to see this wrapped up with a home win. That's it.

9:46PM

Round 11

Bit of a dry old do this last couple of rounds. Helenius doing very little.

9:40PM

Round nine

Decent from Whyte but not really dangerous.

9:38PM

Stars are out

9:36PM

Gareth A Davies writes

"Dillian Whyte had a couple of shaky moments early in this WBC Silver heavyweight title bout with two-time European champion Robert Hellenius. Big right hands which twice wobbled him. But he has shown his ambition as the rounds have progressed admit the Nordic Nightmare, who can box and bang, is being ground down... We all want to see Whyte face Anthony Joshua again..."

9:35PM

Robert McCracken

"Obviously it is a very different challenge. We have had a look at him. Takam is a real tough fighter and a credible opponent."

9:34PM

We're into round eight of Whyte v Helenius

and it's as you were. Swedish lad standing there, Whyte swinging wildly and not really landing. It's second-rate stuff. Deontay Wilder will feel he has little to fear on this evidence.

9:33PM

Oh there's more

9:28PM

Whyte round six

Big Helenius fighting through treacle, you fancy Whyte to wrap this up. Helenius loses his gumshield, and also appears to be in some pain with his right hand.

9:21PM

Whyte v Helenius round five

Whyte is comfortable, he is picking his shots, and he's landing some of them. The big Swede is not really offering much and he is looking sluggish.

Zlatan's backstage with AJ!

Zlatan, AJ, Bellew - Credit: Sky Sports Box Office
Zlatan, AJ, Bellew Credit: Sky Sports Box Office

9:19PM

This man coming up

Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam - Weigh-In - Credit: PA Wire
Ready to make a point: Anthony Joshua prepares to fight Carlos Takam Credit: PA Wire

9:16PM

Whyte v Helenius round three

Whyte looking for the big overhand right, it's not a sophisticated approach, but his opponent is not doing much in the way of lateral movement. Helenius backing away.

9:09PM

Whyte v Helenius

First couple of rounds cagey, Helenius is a tall, stooping, awkward customer. Both fighters count Chisora among their scalps. And both have landed decent shots here in round two! Helenius gets his gumshield rattled, but the big Swede smiles. Now he clocks Dillian with a heavy shot of his own!

9:02PM

Something of a change of pace now

It's very large men! That nice Mr Dillian Whyte against Robert Helenius.

8:52PM

Here's Katie

"It means more than words can express. The biggest night of my career. A big learning curve for me. I got a bit wild times, left myself open. Very tough fight, thank God I have come through it.

"This is the start for me: I want to dominate the lightweight division and unify these belts."

Katie Taylor is ushered to a neutral corner as she knocks down Anahi Sanchez during their WBA Lightweight World Championship - Credit: Getty
Katie Taylor is ushered to a neutral corner as she knocks down Anahi Sanchez during their WBA Lightweight World Championship Credit: Getty

Johnny Nelson: "She has raised the bar for women's boxing. When she knocked her down, she wasn't complacent, she had a glint in her eye, she wanted more. I like that."

Tony Bellew: "Katie Taylor is the flagbearer, she is the amazing talent in women's boxing."

8:50PM

KATIE TAYLOR IS A WORLD CHAMPION

Fantastic effort for the woman from Bray, she came up against a very tough customer who could hit and take a punch. Sanchez has had 20 fights to Katie's seven, and she showed her experience and heart to get up from the deck in round two. But Taylor was too quick, too classy and too good. It's a unanimous decision 99-90 Katie Taylor!

Katie Taylor celebrates victory after the WBA Lightweight World Championship contest against Anahi Sanchez - Credit: Getty
Katie Taylor celebrates victory after the WBA Lightweight World Championship contest against Anahi Sanchez Credit: Getty

Gareth A Davies gives his verdict

Twenty years of hard graft for Katie Taylor to become a world champion - a terrific fighter and role model for women - nay, all - in sport. Just caught up with her mother, who is very emotional, and Katie Herself. Looked like she had Sanchez very badly hurt early, and wow, how tough was the Argentine... ? Great fight. But I'd like to see Katie boxing and moving more as she did in a couple of those rounds. Like to see her taking fewer punches... so capable of doing that with her boxing skills. But a great moment in the career of the Irish star. Can see her headlining Dublin next...hopefully.

8:48PM

Katie Taylor round ten

Another fighter would coast this round but Taylor wants to finish this in style. She cannot knock her opponent down but she has done more than enough here.

8:45PM

Katie Taylor round nine

More head clashing, no clear shots there really from Taylor but again plenty enough to win that round. Just one more and she can content herself with a job well done - and a belt.

Arya Stark's in her corner...

8:43PM

Katie Taylor round eight

She could stay in the pocket, use the jab and take this on points. But instead she is ploughing forward, hands down, trying to land and finish this early. I hope it's not a risky strategy. Taylor work rate is excellent landing plenty. Katie has never been beyond eight. 

8:40PM

Anthony Joshua backstage

"Not too sure what to make of it yet. My first time here. It is looking lively out there. 

"Before I left I said a little prayer. No matter whether he is an ant or King Kong you have to take him seriously. I don't know exactly what Carlos Takam has got but he has got to this level so he has something.

"A lot of people have come out to see the show and so we have to deliver."

8:38PM

Katie Taylor round seven

Ref has a word with Taylor about use of the head, nothing too dramatic. Now Taylor has landed a sweet right that rocks back her opponent. Another round for KT.

8:36PM

Katie Taylor round six

Even steven in that round, Katie quicker and classier, but Sanchez is in this and is bringing some heavy work. Taylor well ahead on points.

Katie Taylor (L) and Anahi Sanchez - Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty

8:33PM

Katie Taylor round five

Katie walking into the odd shot here. Corner working away on her.

8:30PM

Here's Gareth A Davies

A terrific hard working performance by Khalid Yafai in the defence of his super flyweight crown - it's a great division and the Birmingham fighter will continue to have very tough fights in this division which is replete with great champions 

These are great occasions with big fight boxing in huge cavernous stadiums and this Welsh fortress is so imposing -- it would be tremendous to see it become the autumn home of Anthony Joshua fights each year ...

8:30PM

Katie Taylor round four

Katie's got some marking around her right eye now. Sanchez wilder, Taylor more cultured but she's got her hands full with the Argentine, who looks a fair bit heavier and bulkier. Inconclusive round.

8:26PM

Katie Taylor round three

But Sanchez is not going to roll over here, she's pinged Katie Taylor with a really good right. Taylor is rocked but comes back at her, landing a beefy effort of her own! Sanchez has come to brawl. And she has landed another one on the button, Katie Taylor wants to watch out here because this South American fighter has a punch and plenty of character. New territory for Katie, hitting someone with her best work and seeing them come back at her?

Katie Taylor and Anahi Esther Sanchez - Credit: PA
Katie Taylor and Anahi Esther Sanchez Credit: PA

8:24PM

KatieTaylor round two

She's knocked her opponent down! A vicious body shot! Sanchez collapsed like a punctured balloon as that left hook smashed into the right ribcage. But Sanchez is up, she's got heart, she's back at Taylor. Taylor comes again, landing plenty.

Carl Froch: "they suck the air out of your lungs, you cannot breathe." But Sanchez fights on, and ends the round pretty well considering.

8:21PM

Katie Taylor round one

First round of ten, Katie landing a right early and now a big flurry of punches from the Irish fighter, landing plenty, and the Argentine is not enjoying the start of this much at all. Hand speed and work rate impressive, Sanchez swinging roughly, no question who is the class act on the evidence so far,

8:18PM

Anahi Sanchez from Buenos Aires

Bouncing on her toes, white and blue trunks. Katie stock still, black and gold. She's been a pro for just 11 months, and here she is fighting for a world title.

8:16PM

Bit weird from the announcer

"And the third man in the ring, referee Steve Gray." Erm, mate.

8:14PM

Gareth A Davies ready to call it

8:13PM

Here comes Katie Taylor

She emerges to the strains of "This is a man's world..." then there is a record scratch and AC/DC kicks in! Go'orn Katie.

8:12PM

Colin Farrell was in Taylor's dressing room just now

Colin Farrell looks on from ringsideat  - Credit: Getty
Pal: Colin Farrell looks on from ringsideat Credit: Getty

8:11PM

Next up, it's Katie Taylor

I love watching Katie, what a technique she has. A really excellent fighter in the making. She fights an Argentine, who failed to make the weight, and thus Taylor is in the position where she wins the belt if she wins, but it will become a vacant title if Anahi Sanchez triumphs on the night.

8:04PM

Still to come on the undercard

are Katie Taylor and Dillian Whyte, and then it will be Anthony Joshua, potentially the biggest star in British sport, and a man who was so impressive against one of the post-War best last time out. Very different assignment tonight than the Klitschko fight: AJ is expected to win this, and win it well.

7:59PM

Good evening!

Tyers here, Gareth A Davies is ready to rumble in Cardiff, and the Anthony Joshua fight is incoming.