Taylor’s Farewell Fight at Croke Park
Katie Taylor concluded her boxing career with a victory over Flora Pili at Croke Park in Dublin, achieving the status of a three-time undisputed world champion. The event marked the first boxing headline at the venue since Muhammad Ali faced Al “Blue” Lewis in 1972. Taylor secured a unanimous points victory, with judges scoring the bout 100-90, 100-90, and 98-91, in front of approximately 80,000 fans.
The win allowed Taylor to end her three-decade journey as both an amateur and professional boxer on her own terms, as an undisputed champion. She described the moment as the highlight of her career, surpassing her Olympic gold medal win at London 2012, headlining Madison Square Garden, and her trilogy of fights against Amanda Serrano.
Taylor expressed that the atmosphere at Croke Park was beyond her wildest dreams. She noted that she did not believe any other country would sell 80,000 tickets for a female athlete, convinced that only Ireland would achieve such a feat. The fighter reflected on her career, stating that while her initial dream was to become an Olympic champion, the last 10 years of her professional career had exceeded all expectations.
A Dream Ending to a Decorated Career
The fight saw Taylor outclassing Pili across all 10 rounds, delivering a performance that thrilled the Croke Park crowd. Her ring walk was described as spine-tingling, and she concluded the fight with an all-out assault in the final 10 seconds, met with roars from the spectators. After the final bell, Taylor smiled and embraced her opponent, acknowledging that she had thrown her last punches in the ring.
Taylor managed to maintain her composure throughout the event, despite feeling emotional during the week leading up to the fight and throughout the months of preparation. She described the night as everything she had anticipated and more, calling it a dream ending to a dream career. The victory also inflicted a first career defeat on Pili.
Promoter Eddie Hearn praised the occasion, stating that Croke Park delivered the greatest atmosphere and event boxing had ever witnessed. Hearn highlighted Taylor’s determination, noting she refused to accept no for an answer and tirelessly pursued her goals. He referred to her as the greatest Irish sportsperson of all time, attributing the success of the event to her and the proud support of the entire nation.
Tributes from the Boxing World
Following her retirement, prominent figures in women’s boxing paid tribute to Taylor. Unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois hailed Taylor as “one of the best to ever do it,” while Claressa Shields remarked that Taylor deserved to “ride off into the sunset.” Taylor retires with a professional record of 26 wins from 27 contests, an Olympic gold medal, and three undisputed title triumphs across two divisions.
Dubois extended her gratitude to Taylor for paving the way, wishing her happiness and success in her next chapter. Shields, the self-proclaimed Greatest Woman of All Time, congratulated Taylor, stating she deserved everything. Super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner recognised Taylor as a trailblazer who helped set the stage for other female boxers, calling her legacy remarkable and her journey a privilege to watch.
Former world champion Carl Frampton commented on Taylor’s unique relationship with the Irish public, noting her adulation despite her reserved nature with the media. He described her as special and stated there would never be another like her. Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew characterized the occasion as one of the most remarkable exits in the sport’s history, noting he had never seen a fighter retire as an undisputed champion on their own terms.
Former world champion Barry Jones highlighted Taylor’s final 20 seconds in the ring, where she unleashed rapid combinations reminiscent of her biggest fights. American boxer Mikaela Mayer, who was ringside, found the image of Taylor placing her gloves in the centre of the ring particularly poignant. Bellew expressed certainty that Taylor would not return to boxing but could envision her mentoring younger fighters, offering advice and support as she sails off into the sunset.
Source: skysports.com