KATIE TAYLOR became a Leeds hero when she defended her lightweight title in her favorite footballing city.
The ex-international footballer and Irish legend, 34-years-old, was a Leeds United fan growing up. He wore new shirts every Christmas and admired hardnuts such as Alan Smith and Lee Bowyer.
After a hard-fought battle with Jennifer Han, an American supermum at Headingley, she has now won a Yorkshire victory.
Taylor dropped Han on Josh Warrington's Undercard before the judges unanimously voted to send the London 2012 gold girl to 19-0.
Taylor's precision punching and flawless footwork made her an icon in amateur boxing. Han, who had only six months ago, attempted and failed to land the first round.
"Every fight at this level is tough, so I knew Jennifer would be a challenge.
"I was hoping for an end to the fight tonight, but she was very skilled at surviving the entire fight.
"She was very clever, very slippery in those places, but 100-89 shutout. It can't get any better than that."
Han, who was fighting her second fight since February 2018, managed to shake off all the cobwebs. She got on with the third fight by throwing some uppercuts that kept Bray's icon at bay.
The two-minute rounds were moving along with little action. However, the loudest noise of the night came when Warrington's headline rival Mauricio Lara appeared on the giant screens. He was booed.
Taylor managed to land a left hook in the sixth, drawing attention to the ring.
Taylor was on track for her sixth consecutive point win when Han dropped her in round 8. She was a sweet shot, but Taylor beat the count and heard it.
Taylor's latest win should guarantee her a super-fight with Amanda Serrano (7-weight champion) or Jessica McCaskill (welter queen).
Taylor says she will be a champion at multiple weights and is unbeaten.
Taylor said, "I'm willing to fight anyone at any weight. I want the big fights."
"I want megafights. I want to be involved with the biggest fights in women’s boxing.
"I am fairly certain that I will be undefeated as a multi-weight undisputed champion at the end of my career."
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