Katie Taylor knew she was in a fight but quality ultimately told as the Irishwoman added the WBO lightweight title to her ever-expanding collection of belts.
Taylor extended her perfect professional record to 13-0 when she stopped Rose Volante in the ninth of ten scheduled rounds in Philadelphia on Friday night.
The Bray boxer had Volante hurt early on, earning a knockdown in the opening frame, but some admirable grit from the Brazilian saw her catch Taylor with some solid shots of her own in the subsequent round.
But as the fight went on, Taylor's much-heralded technique showed itself and Volante's face left little doubt about who was on top once the halfway point of the contest passed.
With Volante slowing, Taylor's speed showed no signs of stopping and the finish arrived in the penultimate round, in admittedly anti-climatic fashion.
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What appeared to be an accidental headbutt proved to be the final blow on Volante's blooded face as a gash to her nose was enough for referee Benjy Esteves Jr. to call the fight.
There appeared to be some confusion from Volante's corner when the fight was called but from the outset, there looked to be only one outcome and the path is now paved for Taylor to become the undisputed champion at 135lbs.
"Now we can start talking about Delfine Persoon. I’ve got the three belts, she’s got the WBC belt. We have to get that fight on next," Taylor said after the victory.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has previously indicated his intention to have Taylor meet Persoon for undisputed glory on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's clash with Jarrell Miller on June 1.
So if everything goes according to plan, Taylor will be able to relax and enjoy her summer as the undisputed lightweight champion.
