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Isn't this a bit underwhelming for her big Croke Park homecoming retirement fight?

Probably guarantees her a win though,

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑05 Jun 2026, 09:12 Isn't this a bit underwhelming for her big Croke Park homecoming retirement fight?

Probably guarantees her a win though,

It definitely is somewhat, but when you factor in her last 4 fights are Amanda Serrano (X2) and Chantelle Cameron (X2), she's kind of earned an easier fight, and if that's the one she's going to bow out on then fair enough.

Katie Taylor confirms retirement fight at Dublin's Croke Park

Katie Taylor will fight for the final time at the 80,000-seat Croke Park stadium in Dublin on Sept. 5, it has been confirmed.

Taylor, who holds the IBF, WBA and WBO junior welterweight titles, will fight France's Flora Pili in front of what is expected to be a sell out stadium in the Irish capital. The vacant WBC belt is also on the line.

Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) has wanted to fight at the iconic Croke Park for a long time, but a deal has never previously been reached due to the costs involved with hosting an event at the venue. Promoter Eddie Hearn had previously indicated that Taylor could have walked away without fighting again if a deal with Croke Park wasn't agreed.

However, the 39-year-old will now get her dream swansong just over 10 miles from her hometown of Bray.

Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) is ranked No. 1 with the WBC. Sandy Ryan was the full champion at 140 pounds, but the governing body have confirmed she will be champion in recess as she takes time away from the sport to have a child.

It means victory will see Taylor retire as a three-time undisputed champion, having previously held all the titles at junior welterweight as well as lightweight.

Taylor is considered one of the best and most influential women's boxers in history. A five-time amateur champion, Taylor won Olympic gold in London in 2012, the first time women's boxing was contested at the Games.

She is credited with the growth and mainstream popularity of women's boxing, particularly in the UK and Europe. Two intense battles with Chantelle Cameron in Ireland, when she avenged her first and only professional loss, as well as a historic trilogy with Amanda Serrano helped establish Taylor as one of the best to ever lace up the gloves.

Taylor to face Pili in Croke Park farewell

Katie Taylor said fulfilling her long-held dream of fighting at Croke Park will be the "perfect way" to end her decorated career after it was confirmed she will face Flora Pili at the Dublin venue on 5 September.

Taylor will bid to become a three-time undisputed champion against unbeaten French fighter Pili in what will be the first boxing event at the 82,300-capacity Gaelic Games venue since Muhammad Ali's victory over Al 'Blue' Lewis in July 1972.

Taylor will defend her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles and attempt to add the vacant WBC belt against mandatory challenge Pili, who boasts a 12-0 record.

The 39-year-old Irishwoman has not boxed since completing a clean sweep of the trilogy against Amanda Serrano in New York's Madison Square Garden last July, which saw her retain her undisputed light-welterweight title.

"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," said Taylor.

"I'm so grateful that it's happening and I can't thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years."

Taylor added: "We've actually brought boxing back to Croke Park. This has been on my career bucket list, especially the last few months, but this is beyond my wildest dreams.

"This is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career. To have the chance to fight in a packed-out stadium in Croke Park, our most iconic venue, it's the cathedral of Irish sport, really."

Taylor's Croke Park dream was first floated following her first victory over Serrano in April 2022.

However, after a win over Karen Carabajal in London, her homecoming would take place at Dublin's 3 Arena with Croke Park's stadium chief executive Peter McKenna saying Taylor's promoter Matchroom would not cover security costs.

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn claimed "the cost of hire, the cost of everything involved with the event is three times nearly more than staging it at Wembley Stadium".

Taylor suffered her sole career loss in 26 fights against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin in May 2023 before avenging the defeat later that year.

"I'm under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge, she's undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree so I have the utmost respect for her," added Taylor.

"I've been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake.

"I hope it's the kind of event that will inspire a whole new generation to take up sport and follow their passions – that for me would be the greatest legacy I could leave."

Details of the undercard have not been confirmed, but Hearn said "every Irish fighter, current and retired" has asked to be on the card.

Hearn also said he expects 80,000 to attend the fight.

Speaking through a translator, Pili said: "I follow Katie Taylor's career, she's a legend of the sport.

"I come here to make a name for myself."

Katie Taylor to face Flora Pili in farewell fight at Croke Park in Dublin on September 5

Unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili, 28, has been confirmed as Katie Taylor's farewell opponent; the fight will take place at the iconic Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday September 5

Undisputed super-lightweight champion Katie Taylor is to end her stellar career with a fight against unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday September 5.

Taylor, 39, holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles at 140lbs and the Irish native has got her wish to sign off on home soil in front of what is likely to be a sell-out crowd.

Pili, 28, (12-0) is the mandatory challenger for Taylor's IBF super-lightweight title and the top-ranked contender for the now vacant WBC belt, with the WBC leaking the news earlier in the week that she would be Taylor's final opponent.

Champion Sandy Ryan is pregnant and has been made 'Champion in Recess' by the WBC, which ordered Taylor to fight Pili.

Taylor was previously WBC champion but vacated the belt in 2025 to take a break from boxing.

It means Taylor has the chance to unify all the belts in her final fight and become an undisputed champion for the third time in her career.

Taylor said: "This seems like the perfect way to end it - by becoming undisputed champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts. I'm so grateful that it's happening and I can't thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years.

"People have travelled all around the world to follow my career and I'm hoping I can repay some of that with a big performance on September 5. I'm under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge, she's undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree, so I have the utmost respect for her.

"I've been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake. I hope it's the kind of event that will inspire a whole new generation to take up sport and follow their passions - that for me would be the greatest legacy I could leave."

Unbeaten French fighter Pili is ready to spoil the party, however, with the WBC mandatory challenger determined to write her own name in lights by causing a huge upset.

She said: "Katie Taylor is one of the greatest champions in the history of women's boxing, and I have tremendous respect for everything she has achieved. Facing a legend like her represents the biggest opportunity of my career.

"On September 5, I will step into the ring fully prepared and ready to embrace this challenge in my quest to become the undisputed world champion."

Katie Taylor set for sendoff fight at Croke Park, September 5

Katie Taylor lands the venue she’s long wanted.

Katie Taylor’s illustrious career will come to a close this fall as it’s been confirmed by ESPN that she’ll have her farewell fight at home in Dublin, Ireland at Croke Park stadium on September 5. As a unified junior welterweight champion, Taylor will be taking on Flora Pili in what will be her final title defense.

It’s long been reported that Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) has wanted to fight on a big stage in her home country, and while that proved to be a significant hurdle over the years, organizers managed to pull it all together for Taylor to ride off into the sunset in a place that means so much to her, in front of as many fans she can muster at a venue that can hold 80,000.

Her opponent Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) is from France and is currently ranked #1 by the WBC as its champion in recess Sandy Ryan takes some time away from the sport.

Anyone who’s followed Taylor’s career knows how much she’s meant to the sport of women’s boxing, and it’s amazing to see her get the opportunity to go out on her own terms, and in front of those who love her the most as she’s dedicated so many years to sport.

Got her name next to the GOAT.

BigEars wrote: ↑05 Jun 2026, 09:53

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑05 Jun 2026, 09:12 Isn't this a bit underwhelming for her big Croke Park homecoming retirement fight?

Probably guarantees her a win though,

It definitely is somewhat, but when you factor in her last 4 fights are Amanda Serrano (X2) and Chantelle Cameron (X2), she's kind of earned an easier fight, and if that's the one she's going to bow out on then fair enough.

It is decidedly underwhelming. I certainly understand going out with a flourish in a homecoming farewell fight against a soft touch. However, since the fight is being touted as one where Taylor looks to become undisputed for a third time, a more credible - and deserving - opponent than the unheralded Pili could have been lined up. Short of dropping her multiple times and the unlikely event of stopping her, the Frenchwoman has no chance of beating Taylor on the cards.

Emotional Katie Taylor on Croke Park farewell: 'This is the perfect end to my career'

Katie Taylor was emotional ahead of her final professional contest that will take place at the iconic Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.

Taylor, a two weight undisputed champion, has transcended the women’s game since her professional debut in 2016. There were barely women’s fights on televised cards in Britain and Ireland before Taylor came along and brought a spotlight onto the sport that has allowed women’s boxing to grow. Her career has taken her around the world fighting in Wembley Stadium, Madison Square Garden, and now she will compete in her 27th and final contest back home in Ireland at the national stadium.

It has been a dream of Taylor’s since she turned professional but one that felt out of reach due to economical issues surrounding booking the venue. Now, however, there has been a breakthrough, and boxing will return to Croke Park on September 5 for the first time since Muhammad Ali fought Alvin "Blue" Lewis in 1972.

“We did it. Boxing is back at Croke Park,” said Taylor, 25-1 (6 KOs). “This was on my career bucket list, but this is beyond my wildest dreams. So we're actually here. We've got it all over the line. Here we are. And this is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career. I have a chance to fight in Croke Park, our most iconic venue. It's a cathedral of Irish sport, really. And I also have a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion. How amazing is that? This is just the perfect way to end my career.”

Taylor will defend her WBA, WBO and IBF junior welterweight titles as well as compete for the vacant WBC title against France’s Flora Pili, 12-0 (2 KOs).

“I also wanted to be in a real fight with a real risk that gives you the drive no longer to go again,” Taylor said. “And I have that in Flora. This is a real fight. It's a very dangerous fight and I have to be at my very, very best.”

Her opponent seemed in awe that she had been chosen for such an event and historic moment.

“This is a huge opportunity. This is a dream come true to fight Katie Taylor,” Pili said. “I’ve followed Katie Taylor’s career, she is a legend of the sport. I want to come here and make a name for myself.”

The Croke Park dream that Taylor desired for her final outing was an economic challenge that plagued Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn for years. Hearn admitted that there were major stumbling boxes to get past, but he was inspired by the Irish great to deliver her the perfect swansong.

“Every time it got tough, every time the doors would be closed, every time the barriers would come up, we thought about Katie Taylor,” said Hearn. “What would she do? Well, she would never be denied. When the IOC told everybody women's boxing just wouldn't be in the Olympics, how easy to walk away at that moment, but no, she banged the door down. She refused to take no as an answer.

“And what we've seen over the last 10 years is just one of the most incredible journeys. And I can sit up here and I can tell you about all the great things and all the records that this will break. Yes, it will be the biggest ever moment in the history of female boxing. Yes, it will be the biggest crowd in the history of female boxing. Yes, it will be the biggest crowd in the history of female sport for an individual athlete. But it will also be one of the greatest sporting moments this country has ever seen. But more important than that, it'll be her moment.”

gilgamesh wrote: ↑25 Feb 2026, 12:06 I don't wanna hear any talk about how she's the best Women's Boxer of all time when she retires. She's not the best Women's Boxer of right now. Let's just get that sh*t straight right now.

Claressa Shields, Laila Ali, Cecilia Braekhus all rank well ahead of her.

If you wanted to say she's the best White girl boxer...ok I'll give ya that I guess.

Well shes not the best of right now because shes 40 and been in a ton of wars, 30yr old Taylor was an animal, I personally have it as shields, but Taylor, like Conor Mcgregor, changed the game for everyone

Think I’ll try and get tickets for this, never been to Dublin.

I don’t think anyone in there will be arsed who she’s fighting, hopefully there’s a good undercard.

The event is what’s selling it really

IrishGuy wrote: ↑06 Jun 2026, 05:19

gilgamesh wrote: ↑25 Feb 2026, 12:06 I don't wanna hear any talk about how she's the best Women's Boxer of all time when she retires. She's not the best Women's Boxer of right now. Let's just get that sh*t straight right now.

Claressa Shields, Laila Ali, Cecilia Braekhus all rank well ahead of her.

If you wanted to say she's the best White girl boxer...ok I'll give ya that I guess.

Well shes not the best of right now because shes 40 and been in a ton of wars, 30yr old Taylor was an animal, I personally have it as shields, but Taylor, like Conor Mcgregor, changed the game for everyone

She got decisions she didn't deserve against Persoon 1 and Serrano 1. Both of those girls I don't really rate, especially Serrano who has horrid footwork and ring IQ. Katie was a filthy fighter with her head and caused loads of cuts on opponents. Her style simply constitutes the Amir Khan style of throwing inaccurate 3-4 punch flurries and then running and resetting, throw more 3-4 punch flurry and then run and reset. That's not a technically skillful style. She's not a good counter puncher, barely even counters. Skillwise nowhere near the top if we are talking about a technician but the Amir Khan style works well against a certain level. Ireland hardly ever produce any athletic talent that can compete at world level so they live and die through her and will raise her to a level she really isn't and never was. Losing to a Chantel Cameron at home said it all although I was absolutely shocked to see the cards were somewhat fair, even though they should have been wider. When it got to the later stages of a fight where she tired, she would just do the Amir Khan 1-2-1-2 and head down rush into a clinch, causing a lot of head clashes and nasty cuts on opponents. It's actually disgusting to watch and she should have been pulled up on it but she always got every advantage.

Emotional Katie Taylor on Croke Park farewell: 'This is the perfect end to my career'

Katie Taylor was emotional ahead of her final professional contest that will take place at the iconic Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.

Taylor, a two weight undisputed champion, has transcended the women’s game since her professional debut in 2016. There were barely women’s fights on televised cards in Britain and Ireland before Taylor came along and brought a spotlight onto the sport that has allowed women’s boxing to grow. Her career has taken her around the world fighting in Wembley Stadium, Madison Square Garden, and now she will compete in her 27th and final contest back home in Ireland at the national stadium.

It has been a dream of Taylor’s since she turned professional but one that felt out of reach due to economical issues surrounding booking the venue. Now, however, there has been a breakthrough, and boxing will return to Croke Park on September 5 for the first time since Muhammad Ali fought Alvin "Blue" Lewis in 1972.

“We did it. Boxing is back at Croke Park,” said Taylor, 25-1 (6 KOs). “This was on my career bucket list, but this is beyond my wildest dreams. So we're actually here. We've got it all over the line. Here we are. And this is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career. I have a chance to fight in Croke Park, our most iconic venue. It's a cathedral of Irish sport, really. And I also have a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion. How amazing is that? This is just the perfect way to end my career.”

Taylor will defend her WBA, WBO and IBF junior welterweight titles as well as compete for the vacant WBC title against France’s Flora Pili, 12-0 (2 KOs).

“I also wanted to be in a real fight with a real risk that gives you the drive no longer to go again,” Taylor said. “And I have that in Flora. This is a real fight. It's a very dangerous fight and I have to be at my very, very best.”

Her opponent seemed in awe that she had been chosen for such an event and historic moment.

“This is a huge opportunity. This is a dream come true to fight Katie Taylor,” Pili said. “I’ve followed Katie Taylor’s career, she is a legend of the sport. I want to come here and make a name for myself.”

The Croke Park dream that Taylor desired for her final outing was an economic challenge that plagued Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn for years. Hearn admitted that there were major stumbling boxes to get past, but he was inspired by the Irish great to deliver her the perfect swansong.

“Every time it got tough, every time the doors would be closed, every time the barriers would come up, we thought about Katie Taylor,” said Hearn. “What would she do? Well, she would never be denied. When the IOC told everybody women's boxing just wouldn't be in the Olympics, how easy to walk away at that moment, but no, she banged the door down. She refused to take no as an answer.

“And what we've seen over the last 10 years is just one of the most incredible journeys. And I can sit up here and I can tell you about all the great things and all the records that this will break. Yes, it will be the biggest ever moment in the history of female boxing. Yes, it will be the biggest crowd in the history of female boxing. Yes, it will be the biggest crowd in the history of female sport for an individual athlete. But it will also be one of the greatest sporting moments this country has ever seen. But more important than that, it'll be her moment.”

‘People here will never forget’: Eddie Hearn says massive show planned for Katie Taylor’s final fight

Eddie Hearn has big plans for Katie Taylor’s sendoff at Croke Park this fall.



Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn spoke to Ring Magazine today after the announcement of Katie Taylor’s farewell fight at Croke Park in Ireland. Here Hearn reflects on the difficulty in making this homecoming fight for Taylor and how grateful he is for Taylor and all fans to get what he promises to be a night to remember.

“We kind of went into this with a ‘Katie Taylor attitude,’ which was a kind of refuse to be beaten attitude, never say die, there’s nothing you can’t overcome,” Hearn said of negotiating the venue. “She retired, really, four of five months ago, went to lunch and said ‘I’m done because if you can’t do Croke Park, I’ll never fight again.’

“At that point we accepted we’re not going to do Croke Park…[After some time] she got in touch and was like ‘I want to fight again, I want to do Croke Park, is there nothing you can do?’ I was like ‘look, let’s go again’ and we tightened our braces and so did Croke Park…and we just found a way.