Katie Taylor prepares for her final fight on Saturday night at Croke Park, facing Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans. This moment marks the end of her extraordinary boxing career, during which she became a trailblazer for women in the sport and a revered figure in Ireland.

Taylor, who has a professional record of 25-1, reflects on her journey from a girl who had to disguise herself to compete in a male-dominated sport to becoming the undisputed world super-lightweight champion. Her story resonates deeply with fans, especially as her last bout is broadcast live on RTÉ, allowing the whole nation to share in her farewell.

Key milestones in Taylor's career include:

• First official female boxing contest in Ireland on 31 October 2001.
• Winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics, the first to include women's boxing.
• A historic fight against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in April 2022, which is considered one of the greatest boxing matches.

Despite facing significant challenges, including the absence of professional boxing in Ireland for years due to violence, Taylor’s determination shone through. Her recent victories, including a rematch against Chantelle Cameron, solidified her legacy.

As Taylor steps into the ring for the last time, she aims to defend her titles and secure her place as not just a champion but a pioneer for future generations of female boxers. "I dreamed impossible dreams," she stated, ready for her fairytale ending. This emotional farewell at Croke Park promises to be a celebration of her remarkable contributions to boxing and her beloved country.