Katie Taylor stepped into the ring for what would be her last professional fight, facing France’s Flora Pili at Croke Park in Dublin. The 40-year-old had long expressed a desire to end her career at this historic venue, and more than 80,000 fans filled the stadium for the event. Taylor had made it clear that she wanted a serious final challenge rather than an easy exit from boxing.
She entered the fight as a heavy favorite and maintained control throughout the ten rounds, according to boxingnewsonline.net. The bout was not only about personal closure, but also about claiming the vacant WBC super-lightweight title. Taylor’s victory brought her back to the top of the sport as a three-time undisputed champion, according to a report from Sky Sports.
She had previously lost only once in her career, to Chantelle Cameron in May 2023. The fight took place in front of more than 80,000 spectators at Croke Park, the same venue where Muhammad Ali once fought, boxinginsider.com reported. Taylor’s performance was a masterclass in speed and technique, as she dominated early rounds with strong combinations.
Pili managed to get some attention in the seventh round, pressing Taylor and landing a few punches. However, she was unable to maintain that momentum and fell behind as the fight continued. Taylor’s final round saw her go out swinging, ending her career with a powerful display of boxing skill.
She was awarded the unanimous decision by judges scoring the rounds 100-90, 100-90, and 98-91. Taylor’s win added the vacant WBC belt to her collection of IBF, WBA, and WBO belts. She retired with a record of 26 wins and one loss, having held at least one world title in 20 consecutive fights dating back to 2017.
The atmosphere at Croke Park was electric, with Westlife performing before the main event and fireworks lighting up the sky. Eddie Hearn, who had worked to bring boxing back to Croke Park, was seen fighting back tears during Taylor’s final walk. Amanda Serrano, one of Taylor’s greatest rivals, sent her a message of respect and gratitude before the event.
The night was more than just a boxing match; it marked a major moment in Irish sports history. Taylor’s legacy is not only about her titles but also about how she changed women’s boxing. She was recognized as one of the greatest athletes in Irish history, and a pioneer for female fighters worldwide.
Following her retirement, Taylor laid down her gloves and took a lap of honor. The event streamed on DAZN, with no pay-per-view charge, and aired free-to-air in Ireland on RTE2. The undercard included several other fights, some ending in stoppages due to medical concerns.
Former UFC fighter Molly McCann made her professional boxing debut with a win over Sylwia Doligala. The night was filled with emotion and celebration, honoring Taylor’s extraordinary career in boxing.
IMAGE: The support was incredible. Photo: cormac70 from London / Wikimedia, taken 2012-08-08, CC BY 2.0