Katie Taylor targets Croke Park homecoming after outclassing Karen Carabajal to remain undisputed lightweight champion

Katie Taylor remains the undisputed lightweight champion of the world after a unanimous-decision victory over Karen Carabajal at Wembley Arena in London.

The unheralded 32-year-old Argentinian was a game if outmatched opponent for the Irish superstar, who comfortably retained her IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO belts on a 100-91 99-91 98-92 scoreline and immediately declared her intention to fight at Croke Park next.

Carbajal proved a worthy challenger, but lost for the first time in 20 fights after coming second best in all departments.

Taylor, 36, who recorded the first of her now 22 professional wins at this venue in 2016, showed superior hand speed, footwork and greater accuracy, and pressed home her advantage in the second half of the bout.

Carbajal felt the full weight of Taylor's punches in round five as the Irishwoman’s timing improved and a left-right combination had the South American grimacing.

The Bray woman displayed her full range of skills in the seventh round and underlined her superiority with three more unanswered punches. In the eighth, Carbajal was knocked off balance by two quick left hooks.

Carbajal came out swinging in the penultimate ninth round and was cut on the right side of her face following an accidental clash of heads.

Taylor had the fight won heading into the final round, but in typical fashion chased a grandstand finish as two looping right hands jolted her opponent, who was ultimately outclassed and ended with blood streaming down her face.

"WE WANT THE FIGHT AT CROKE PARK" - @KatieTaylor @Serranosisters