Croke Park Katie Taylor trilogy talk and a masterclass in the craft of boxing

Talk immediately turned to what’s next for Katie Taylor. Yet there is also a welcome opportunity to press pause.

JOB DONE: Katie Taylor celebrates with mother Bridget Taylor after defeating Chantelle Cameron in their undisputed super lightweight championship fight at the 3Arena in Dublin. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

There was a revealing moment at the end of Saturday night’s eighth round where all the smoke that often emanates from this trade cleared and we received a clear vision of what Katie Taylor really is.

Together Taylor and Chantelle Cameron played an awesome battle ballad that had the entire 3Arena humming tumultuously. As they approached the final stanza the Irish challenger looked exhausted. It had been a masterclass of ring craft by the Irish woman, quick counters and spinout hooks stemming a younger volume-puncher. Cameron’s spirit is such that her onslaught may be delayed but it would not be denied. By the eighth she was charging like a bull. The home crowd sensed it too and offered a volley of Olés as a makeshift shield to their warrior.