Katie Taylor Prepares for Croke Park Farewell Against Flora Pili on September 5
Katie Taylor is set to fulfill a long-held dream by fighting at Croke Park on 5 September, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. The Irish boxing star will face Flora Pili, an unbeaten French fighter, in what promises to be an unforgettable farewell bout. At 39 years old, Taylor aims to become a three-time undisputed champion as she defends her WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine light-welterweight titles, while also vying for the vacant WBC belt against Pili, who holds a perfect record of 12-0. This event marks the first boxing match at the historic 82,300-capacity Gaelic Games venue since Muhammad Ali's victory over Al 'Blue' Lewis in 1972. Expressing her excitement, Taylor stated, "This seems like the perfect way to end it [my career] – by becoming undisputed champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts." She emphasized the significance of the venue and the support she has received throughout her career, saying, "This is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career." Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom, praised Taylor's journey, highlighting her evolution from a direct message expressing her desire to turn professional to her monumental fights against Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron. Hearn noted that this bout will attract the largest crowd in the history of female sport for an individual athlete, solidifying Taylor's legacy in Irish sports history.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-05