Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Sold out in 30 mins.
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CaptainSpacerod
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
rd350lc wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 09:14Nicely putCaptainSpacerod wrote: ↑11 Jun 2026, 19:26 Tbf to Katie it’s not her fault that she excelled in a sport with a very low depth of talent in the female code. But that of course means that a much lesser level of skill and dedication is needed to become one of the best.
To my, admittedly uneducated eye, even at her peak she was nowhere near as technically accomplished as many British level male fighters so talk of her being Ireland’s greatest ever sports person must rankle with fans of McGuigan and Frampton![]()
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gregregegg
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
My opinion (probably not super popular) is katey was great for boxing but not great at boxing…
I have always seen her as a flurry arm puncher that just extended the punch counting game over a few more rounds in the pros. Can’t say I ever recall seeing her throw a meaningfull punch, or throw a proper well structured combo, or even move particularly well….
I had her losing a bunch more fights than the judges did. Persoon, all the seranos, cameron? Mabey even another… just never felt like what she was doing resembled hurtful punching at all. Did she ever knock someone down?
But, she made women’s boxing legit. So legacey wise incredible.
I have always seen her as a flurry arm puncher that just extended the punch counting game over a few more rounds in the pros. Can’t say I ever recall seeing her throw a meaningfull punch, or throw a proper well structured combo, or even move particularly well….
I had her losing a bunch more fights than the judges did. Persoon, all the seranos, cameron? Mabey even another… just never felt like what she was doing resembled hurtful punching at all. Did she ever knock someone down?
But, she made women’s boxing legit. So legacey wise incredible.
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Katie Taylor gets everything she hoped for in career finale
Katie Taylor knew this day would come.
The future first-ballot Hall of Famer is officially hanging up her gloves after one last bout, against Flora Pili for the vacant WBC junior welterweight title September 5 at cavernous Croke Park in her backyard of Dublin live on DAZN.
For years, Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) has wanted to fight at the iconic venue – which has a capacity of more than 82,000 – but to no avail. So to have her final bout take place in a stadium she’s always revered, she was almost at a loss for words.
“This is the icing on the cake for me,” The Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBO junior welterweight champion told The Stomping Ground. “To end my career in our most iconic arena, this is the cathedral of Irish sports. There’s so much heritage and so much history attached to this stadium. I get a chance to end my career here. I have goosebumps, it’s incredible.”
Most fighters opt for an easy touch for their last ring appearance. Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) wasn’t interested in facing an unknown who would likely give her little resistance. Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) isn't the biggest puncher in the world, but she's undefeated and ranked No. 5 by The Ring at 140 pounds.
And, as the IBF, WBA and WBO champ, she'll have a chance to become undisputed at 140, which adds further significance for her.
“Those were the conditions I wanted for this fight,” Taylor said. “I wanted to fight in Croke Park, I wanted a real fight, and she’s a real fighter. And I have a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion. She’s an undefeated fighter. I’m faced with a tough challenge here. It’s real risk. I need real hunger and real drive to actually win this fight.
"I need to prepare well for this fight. I can’t think of a better way to end my career by becoming a three-time undisputed champion in our most iconic arena.”
Katie Taylor knew this day would come.
The future first-ballot Hall of Famer is officially hanging up her gloves after one last bout, against Flora Pili for the vacant WBC junior welterweight title September 5 at cavernous Croke Park in her backyard of Dublin live on DAZN.
For years, Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) has wanted to fight at the iconic venue – which has a capacity of more than 82,000 – but to no avail. So to have her final bout take place in a stadium she’s always revered, she was almost at a loss for words.
“This is the icing on the cake for me,” The Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBO junior welterweight champion told The Stomping Ground. “To end my career in our most iconic arena, this is the cathedral of Irish sports. There’s so much heritage and so much history attached to this stadium. I get a chance to end my career here. I have goosebumps, it’s incredible.”
Most fighters opt for an easy touch for their last ring appearance. Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) wasn’t interested in facing an unknown who would likely give her little resistance. Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) isn't the biggest puncher in the world, but she's undefeated and ranked No. 5 by The Ring at 140 pounds.
And, as the IBF, WBA and WBO champ, she'll have a chance to become undisputed at 140, which adds further significance for her.
“Those were the conditions I wanted for this fight,” Taylor said. “I wanted to fight in Croke Park, I wanted a real fight, and she’s a real fighter. And I have a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion. She’s an undefeated fighter. I’m faced with a tough challenge here. It’s real risk. I need real hunger and real drive to actually win this fight.
"I need to prepare well for this fight. I can’t think of a better way to end my career by becoming a three-time undisputed champion in our most iconic arena.”
Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
I understand the significance of Taylor's farewell fight and all that she has done for women's boxing, but the promoters/media really need to stop hyping this bout as though it were a legit 50/50 match up. It's not. As long as Taylor is on her feet at the final bell, she wins the fight.
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili: full undercard announced for Irish icon’s retirement fight
The full card has been announced for the Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili event, including a fan favourite heavyweight star along with an upcoming welterweight world title challenger.
Female boxing legend Taylor finally gets her dream of competing at Croke Park in Dublin when she faces Pili in an undisputed super-lightweight title battle on September 5.
It will serve as Taylor’s final professional fight, as she draws the curtain on a remarkable career that has seen her also become undisputed lightweight champion whilst beating fighters such as Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron.
The undercard for the event has now been revealed, featuring a heavyweight battle between Dave Allen and Irish fighter Thomas Carty.
Allen suffered a stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic in May, but has already picked up a lowkey win since then, with another scheduled to take place on July 25.
Following that bout he will then turn his attention to Carty, who is bidding to rise up the ranks again after suffering a setback defeat to Dajuan Calloway in March 2025.
Elsewhere on the card, Paddy Donovan collides with Tyrone McKenna. Donovan became mandatory for the IBF welterweight title in May when he defeated Karen Chukhadzhian, with a clash against new IBF champion Liam Paro expected in the future.
First he will take on McKenna, who last time out was able to earn a stoppage win over Dylan Moran, and has also shared the ring with the likes of Jack Catterall, Regis Prograis, Lewis Crocker and Harlem Eubank.
Other fights announced for the event including Molly McCann vs. Sylwia Doligala, Taylor Bevan vs. Emmet Brennan, Joe McGrail vs. Matthew Boreland and Paul Ryan vs. Paddy Gallagher, while Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Flood are also in action.
The full card has been announced for the Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili event, including a fan favourite heavyweight star along with an upcoming welterweight world title challenger.
Female boxing legend Taylor finally gets her dream of competing at Croke Park in Dublin when she faces Pili in an undisputed super-lightweight title battle on September 5.
It will serve as Taylor’s final professional fight, as she draws the curtain on a remarkable career that has seen her also become undisputed lightweight champion whilst beating fighters such as Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron.
The undercard for the event has now been revealed, featuring a heavyweight battle between Dave Allen and Irish fighter Thomas Carty.
Allen suffered a stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic in May, but has already picked up a lowkey win since then, with another scheduled to take place on July 25.
Following that bout he will then turn his attention to Carty, who is bidding to rise up the ranks again after suffering a setback defeat to Dajuan Calloway in March 2025.
Elsewhere on the card, Paddy Donovan collides with Tyrone McKenna. Donovan became mandatory for the IBF welterweight title in May when he defeated Karen Chukhadzhian, with a clash against new IBF champion Liam Paro expected in the future.
First he will take on McKenna, who last time out was able to earn a stoppage win over Dylan Moran, and has also shared the ring with the likes of Jack Catterall, Regis Prograis, Lewis Crocker and Harlem Eubank.
Other fights announced for the event including Molly McCann vs. Sylwia Doligala, Taylor Bevan vs. Emmet Brennan, Joe McGrail vs. Matthew Boreland and Paul Ryan vs. Paddy Gallagher, while Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Flood are also in action.
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
HISTORIC NIGHT OF CELEBRATION FOR IRISH SPORT AWAITS AS UNDERCARD FOR KATIE TAYLOR VS PILI AT CROKE PARK iS CONFIRMED
The undercard for Katie Taylor’s final dance is confirmed as the fighting pride of Ireland get set for a blockbuster night in front of 80,000 fans at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park on Saturday, September 5 – live worldwide on DAZN.
The event, delivered by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions, Brian Peters and Title Event Partner, Lidl Ireland, will see Boxing return to Ireland’s historic home of the Gaelic Athletic Association for the first time since the late, great Muhammad Ali famously fought there in 1972.
Legendary Taylor will be bidding to become a three-time Undisputed queen with the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Titles on the line when she headlines against France’s undefeated Flora Pili.
And a bumper undercard awaits too – including an eagerly awaited Heavyweight clash between Dave Allen and Ireland’s own, Thomas Carty.
Allen (26-9-2, 20 KOs), who last summer upset Johnny Fisher in London, recently came up short in two recent huge battles with Arslanbek Makhmudov and Filip Hrgovic. But the Doncaster favourite returned to winning ways earlier this month with a points win over Ross McGuigan.
Carty, meanwhile, was successful in his last outing back in March when he defeated German Skobenko on points almost a year after his only career defeat to date when he suffered a severe knee injury during his American debut against Dajuan Calloway.
In an exciting all-Irish clash, No.1 ranked mandatory challenger for the IBF World Welterweight Championship, and Limerick’s own, Paddy Donovan (15-2, 11 KOs) meets Belfast’s battle-hardened Tyrone McKenna (25-6-1, 8 KOs).
Katie Taylor’s cousin – the former UFC star turned professional boxer – Molly ‘Meatball’ McCann (4-0, 1 KO) will be hoping to set the tone earlier in the night as she looks to extend her winning start to life with Matchroom Boxing when she faces Yorkshire’s Sylwia Doligala (8-2-2).
Rising Super Middleweight prospect Taylor Bevan (9-0, 8 KOs), who earlier this month celebrated a home win at Southampton’s St Mary’s, will be looking for back-to-back stadium show wins as he takes on undefeated Dublin fighter Emmet Brennan (6-0, 1 KO).
Liverpool Super Bantamweight Joe McGrail (13-0, 6 KOs) bids for WBA Continental Gold glory when he collides with Coleraine’s unbeaten Matthew Boreland (7-0, 2 KOs)
It’s Dublin versus Belfast as two Middleweight rivals in Paul Ryan (10-2, 4 KOs) andPaddy Gallagher (17-6, 10 KOs) go head-to-head.
Plus, two of Queensberry Promotions up-and-coming starlets look to shine on home soil as Dublin Heavyweight Adam Olaniyan (2-0, 2 KOs) and Dublin Super Welterweight Bobbi Flood (2-0, 1 KO) plan to get the home fans in the mood for a historic night for Irish sport.
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said: “With so much Irish talent on the undercard, it will be a special, party atmosphere at Croke Park before 80,000 fans get behind the great Katie Taylor for her final ever fight.
“I love the Allen-Carty fight. Two experienced Heavyweights, in a make-or-break fight, out to score an almighty win. Plus, Paddy Donovan fresh from his recent heroics in Germany looks to underline his status as Ireland’s No.1 Welterweight – and underline why he is next in line to challenge for the IBF crown.
“Molly McCann looked great in her recent win in Liverpool and she has a huge year ahead. But she will be over the moon to be on this card, especially with her cousin Katie Taylor headlining.
“Joe McGrail has got a tough test against Matthew Boreland in front of him but he is in a prime position to kick on in the Super Bantamweight division> And so too does Taylor Bevan, whose stock continues to grow after his hard-fought victory in Southampton.
“It will be a huge celebration for Irish sport and this card – live worldwide on the Global Home of DAZN – will certainly deliver for the 80,000 fans who pack into Croke Park on September 5”.
The undercard for Katie Taylor’s final dance is confirmed as the fighting pride of Ireland get set for a blockbuster night in front of 80,000 fans at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park on Saturday, September 5 – live worldwide on DAZN.
The event, delivered by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions, Brian Peters and Title Event Partner, Lidl Ireland, will see Boxing return to Ireland’s historic home of the Gaelic Athletic Association for the first time since the late, great Muhammad Ali famously fought there in 1972.
Legendary Taylor will be bidding to become a three-time Undisputed queen with the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Titles on the line when she headlines against France’s undefeated Flora Pili.
And a bumper undercard awaits too – including an eagerly awaited Heavyweight clash between Dave Allen and Ireland’s own, Thomas Carty.
Allen (26-9-2, 20 KOs), who last summer upset Johnny Fisher in London, recently came up short in two recent huge battles with Arslanbek Makhmudov and Filip Hrgovic. But the Doncaster favourite returned to winning ways earlier this month with a points win over Ross McGuigan.
Carty, meanwhile, was successful in his last outing back in March when he defeated German Skobenko on points almost a year after his only career defeat to date when he suffered a severe knee injury during his American debut against Dajuan Calloway.
In an exciting all-Irish clash, No.1 ranked mandatory challenger for the IBF World Welterweight Championship, and Limerick’s own, Paddy Donovan (15-2, 11 KOs) meets Belfast’s battle-hardened Tyrone McKenna (25-6-1, 8 KOs).
Katie Taylor’s cousin – the former UFC star turned professional boxer – Molly ‘Meatball’ McCann (4-0, 1 KO) will be hoping to set the tone earlier in the night as she looks to extend her winning start to life with Matchroom Boxing when she faces Yorkshire’s Sylwia Doligala (8-2-2).
Rising Super Middleweight prospect Taylor Bevan (9-0, 8 KOs), who earlier this month celebrated a home win at Southampton’s St Mary’s, will be looking for back-to-back stadium show wins as he takes on undefeated Dublin fighter Emmet Brennan (6-0, 1 KO).
Liverpool Super Bantamweight Joe McGrail (13-0, 6 KOs) bids for WBA Continental Gold glory when he collides with Coleraine’s unbeaten Matthew Boreland (7-0, 2 KOs)
It’s Dublin versus Belfast as two Middleweight rivals in Paul Ryan (10-2, 4 KOs) andPaddy Gallagher (17-6, 10 KOs) go head-to-head.
Plus, two of Queensberry Promotions up-and-coming starlets look to shine on home soil as Dublin Heavyweight Adam Olaniyan (2-0, 2 KOs) and Dublin Super Welterweight Bobbi Flood (2-0, 1 KO) plan to get the home fans in the mood for a historic night for Irish sport.
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said: “With so much Irish talent on the undercard, it will be a special, party atmosphere at Croke Park before 80,000 fans get behind the great Katie Taylor for her final ever fight.
“I love the Allen-Carty fight. Two experienced Heavyweights, in a make-or-break fight, out to score an almighty win. Plus, Paddy Donovan fresh from his recent heroics in Germany looks to underline his status as Ireland’s No.1 Welterweight – and underline why he is next in line to challenge for the IBF crown.
“Molly McCann looked great in her recent win in Liverpool and she has a huge year ahead. But she will be over the moon to be on this card, especially with her cousin Katie Taylor headlining.
“Joe McGrail has got a tough test against Matthew Boreland in front of him but he is in a prime position to kick on in the Super Bantamweight division> And so too does Taylor Bevan, whose stock continues to grow after his hard-fought victory in Southampton.
“It will be a huge celebration for Irish sport and this card – live worldwide on the Global Home of DAZN – will certainly deliver for the 80,000 fans who pack into Croke Park on September 5”.
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Nice undercard- if it's not ppv, I'll watch those bout and skip the main go.
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Mayo's Croke Park exploits not lost on Taylor
Katie Taylor admits she got a little "nervous" watching clips of Mayo celebrating their thrilling All-Ireland football final win over Kerry on Sunday.
It was a highly emotional afternoon at Croke Park as Mayo ended their 75-year wait for Sam Maguire success and with Taylor headlining the famous Dublin stadium for her fighting farewell against Flora Pili on 5 September, it is set to be another unforgettable night in Irish sport.
Having been part of some groundbreaking nights throughout her career which saw her win all there is to win as an amateur and professional, Taylor has one more box to tick and will do so against Pili with the undisputed light-welterweight championship on offer.
It was a day of unbridled joy for Mayo at the venue on Sunday as they ended a run of 11-straight defeats in the final since 1951, an occasion that has transcended Gaelic games and for Taylor, it has served as a reminded for her own big crossover night to come.
"I'm seeing the reaction of the Mayo supporters and it's remarkable to watch," the two-division undisputed champion said.
"It's been an amazing few days even watching the clips from that game and the reaction of the Mayo supporters - I'm delighted for them. The 75-year curse is over.
"I was watching a clip this morning and was thinking 'I can't believe I'm headlining here in a few weeks' with the noise, the atmosphere and how electric the stadium is.
"I actually had to turn the clip off as I was getting a bit nervous looking at the Mayo players celebrating and the emotions of everyone. Sport is so special."
'I'm enjoying my last training camp'
With her last dance just weekend away, Taylor is deep in camp with head coach Ross Enamait.
For a fighter, the daily grind in preparation for such a big night can be gruelling, but with this being the last time she go through it all, Taylor says she is "actually enjoying training camp this time".
"I said to my coach a few weeks ago when we started the camp that it would be the last time we're in the gym together so we should enjoy it," she continued.
"I am giving it my all one last time.
"Training camp is tough as it always is - I put my body through the trenches to prepare for a huge battle, but I am definitely looking forward to just enjoying my life after sport as it's all been one big training camp, so I will look forward to relaxing after this fight."
Katie Taylor admits she got a little "nervous" watching clips of Mayo celebrating their thrilling All-Ireland football final win over Kerry on Sunday.
It was a highly emotional afternoon at Croke Park as Mayo ended their 75-year wait for Sam Maguire success and with Taylor headlining the famous Dublin stadium for her fighting farewell against Flora Pili on 5 September, it is set to be another unforgettable night in Irish sport.
Having been part of some groundbreaking nights throughout her career which saw her win all there is to win as an amateur and professional, Taylor has one more box to tick and will do so against Pili with the undisputed light-welterweight championship on offer.
It was a day of unbridled joy for Mayo at the venue on Sunday as they ended a run of 11-straight defeats in the final since 1951, an occasion that has transcended Gaelic games and for Taylor, it has served as a reminded for her own big crossover night to come.
"I'm seeing the reaction of the Mayo supporters and it's remarkable to watch," the two-division undisputed champion said.
"It's been an amazing few days even watching the clips from that game and the reaction of the Mayo supporters - I'm delighted for them. The 75-year curse is over.
"I was watching a clip this morning and was thinking 'I can't believe I'm headlining here in a few weeks' with the noise, the atmosphere and how electric the stadium is.
"I actually had to turn the clip off as I was getting a bit nervous looking at the Mayo players celebrating and the emotions of everyone. Sport is so special."
'I'm enjoying my last training camp'
With her last dance just weekend away, Taylor is deep in camp with head coach Ross Enamait.
For a fighter, the daily grind in preparation for such a big night can be gruelling, but with this being the last time she go through it all, Taylor says she is "actually enjoying training camp this time".
"I said to my coach a few weeks ago when we started the camp that it would be the last time we're in the gym together so we should enjoy it," she continued.
"I am giving it my all one last time.
"Training camp is tough as it always is - I put my body through the trenches to prepare for a huge battle, but I am definitely looking forward to just enjoying my life after sport as it's all been one big training camp, so I will look forward to relaxing after this fight."
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Heavyweight Adam Olaniyan set to do something that no one has done since Muhammad Ali
Irish heavyweight prospect Adam Olaniyan is only two fights into his pro career, but already plenty are taking note of the heavy handed 20-year-old.
Managed by Brian Peters and promoted by Queensberry, Olaniyan bids to go to 3-0 (3 KOs) on Saturday in Dublin before setting his sights on the September 5 Croke Park bill.
The 6ft 6ins Dubliner made short work of veteran journeyman Viktar Chvarkou in June and reckons the Watford-based Kazakh might have been on the wrong end of some of the best punches he has thrown.
Olaniyan, who rates his jab has his best shot, said the right hand that brought about Chvarkou’s demise was the best he has landed to date.
“I've obviously had big ones in sparring, but, you know, sparring is different,” he said.
“I'd say in a fight that's been recorded, that's been live-streamed, I'd say that one [the right hand is the best]. There’s going to be a sparring story for everybody, but sparring doesn’t even compare to a fight, they’re two different things, really.”
Needless to say, he was satisfied with how he boxed in Southampton to dismiss Chvarkou but it wasn’t long before his attention turned to the next date. And after August 1, there’s September 5.
Is he taking some time to enjoy the journey?
“Of course, I’m a very appreciative person and I just like to look back on things and think about how far I’ve come and where I can be,” he said.
“But, yeah, it’s probably a combination of the two. I look back at it sometimes but then I’m like, ‘Well, I have this fight August 1st and then September 5th, so don’t want to look back at it too much because I’ll get caught up with it.”
But Croke Park, in particular is what dreams are made of, and the significance of his spot on the bill is not lost on the likable Olaniyan.
“To be honest, Muhammad Ali being the last heavyweight to fight there and then I’m going to be the next heavyweight after Muhammad Ali to fight there, he’s someone I've idolised, someone I’ve watched growing up for my name to be beside his, it’s a pinch me moment. I still haven’t really comprehended it, still don’t even know what to say. It leaves me speechless every time I think about it but, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
While Olaniyan has had little time to demonstrate his skills so far, he has shown his strength. That is an attribute he has had as long as he can remember.
“I think I've always been really heavy-handed, even as a kid, everything I touched, every toy I ever played with, I broke. My mum says it to me to this day, she's like, ‘I don't even know how strong I am.’ It was actually a funny story, we were wrestling on the schoolyard and there was this kid and I suplexed him and just picked him up and smashed him off the ground. We were like seven or eight and the teacher was like, ‘How did you even do that? You're eight years old.’ So I’ve always been pretty naturally strong, and obviously my dad, he's a big fella. He used to box and I actually remember the first time I sparred, that’s what they said to me. ‘You’re punching really hard, so just try to work on that.’ But obviously it's a strength so we try to work on the weaknesses, bring everything up to a level, really.”
And, at 20, it’s frightening how strong he could become. He’s not unlike Tyson Fury at that age; big, gifted and strong.
But Fury always talked about aesthetically pleasing heavyweights who were musclebound.
Olaniyan doesn’t care what anyone looks like. Winning and experience are the two things he cares about most.
“I’m not a bodybuilder, the most important thing for me is performance, it's getting the rounds, being strong, being fit, being sharp, being agile, though, I feel I haven’t really fully, finished growing yet, so I reckon I probably will develop an even more chiselled physique than I already do have. I'll definitely fill into my frame, get a bit bigger, get a bit stronger.
It is what it is. If you condition your body to do a certain thing, it will do it. If you condition your body to lift weights, you’ll look pretty good in the gym, but if you’ve been, like myself, training boxing, since you’re seven, you're going to know how to punch and land effectively.”
And that is clearly something Olaniyan does very well because, in the fight before Olaniyan, Chvarkou went six rounds with Matchroom’s young heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang.
Irish heavyweight prospect Adam Olaniyan is only two fights into his pro career, but already plenty are taking note of the heavy handed 20-year-old.
Managed by Brian Peters and promoted by Queensberry, Olaniyan bids to go to 3-0 (3 KOs) on Saturday in Dublin before setting his sights on the September 5 Croke Park bill.
The 6ft 6ins Dubliner made short work of veteran journeyman Viktar Chvarkou in June and reckons the Watford-based Kazakh might have been on the wrong end of some of the best punches he has thrown.
Olaniyan, who rates his jab has his best shot, said the right hand that brought about Chvarkou’s demise was the best he has landed to date.
“I've obviously had big ones in sparring, but, you know, sparring is different,” he said.
“I'd say in a fight that's been recorded, that's been live-streamed, I'd say that one [the right hand is the best]. There’s going to be a sparring story for everybody, but sparring doesn’t even compare to a fight, they’re two different things, really.”
Needless to say, he was satisfied with how he boxed in Southampton to dismiss Chvarkou but it wasn’t long before his attention turned to the next date. And after August 1, there’s September 5.
Is he taking some time to enjoy the journey?
“Of course, I’m a very appreciative person and I just like to look back on things and think about how far I’ve come and where I can be,” he said.
“But, yeah, it’s probably a combination of the two. I look back at it sometimes but then I’m like, ‘Well, I have this fight August 1st and then September 5th, so don’t want to look back at it too much because I’ll get caught up with it.”
But Croke Park, in particular is what dreams are made of, and the significance of his spot on the bill is not lost on the likable Olaniyan.
“To be honest, Muhammad Ali being the last heavyweight to fight there and then I’m going to be the next heavyweight after Muhammad Ali to fight there, he’s someone I've idolised, someone I’ve watched growing up for my name to be beside his, it’s a pinch me moment. I still haven’t really comprehended it, still don’t even know what to say. It leaves me speechless every time I think about it but, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
While Olaniyan has had little time to demonstrate his skills so far, he has shown his strength. That is an attribute he has had as long as he can remember.
“I think I've always been really heavy-handed, even as a kid, everything I touched, every toy I ever played with, I broke. My mum says it to me to this day, she's like, ‘I don't even know how strong I am.’ It was actually a funny story, we were wrestling on the schoolyard and there was this kid and I suplexed him and just picked him up and smashed him off the ground. We were like seven or eight and the teacher was like, ‘How did you even do that? You're eight years old.’ So I’ve always been pretty naturally strong, and obviously my dad, he's a big fella. He used to box and I actually remember the first time I sparred, that’s what they said to me. ‘You’re punching really hard, so just try to work on that.’ But obviously it's a strength so we try to work on the weaknesses, bring everything up to a level, really.”
And, at 20, it’s frightening how strong he could become. He’s not unlike Tyson Fury at that age; big, gifted and strong.
But Fury always talked about aesthetically pleasing heavyweights who were musclebound.
Olaniyan doesn’t care what anyone looks like. Winning and experience are the two things he cares about most.
“I’m not a bodybuilder, the most important thing for me is performance, it's getting the rounds, being strong, being fit, being sharp, being agile, though, I feel I haven’t really fully, finished growing yet, so I reckon I probably will develop an even more chiselled physique than I already do have. I'll definitely fill into my frame, get a bit bigger, get a bit stronger.
It is what it is. If you condition your body to do a certain thing, it will do it. If you condition your body to lift weights, you’ll look pretty good in the gym, but if you’ve been, like myself, training boxing, since you’re seven, you're going to know how to punch and land effectively.”
And that is clearly something Olaniyan does very well because, in the fight before Olaniyan, Chvarkou went six rounds with Matchroom’s young heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Katie Taylor admits she lost hope of Croke Park ‘fairytale’
The bond between manager Brian Peters and star-fighter Katie Taylor had never been more apparent than the day they sat on the top table and announced Taylor would, finally, headline at Croke Park.
Peters has been by Taylor’s side throughout her incredible professional journey that has seen them share 26 fights through 10 years.
They have headlined in Madison Square Garden, set attendance records, boxed on bills with Mike Tyson, unified, gone through the weights, been undisputed, fought on the lawn at Matchroom in COVID and much more besides.
Taylor is now 40 and preparing to bow out from professional boxing after one last big night, at the place she’d always dreamed of fighting at.
At Croke Park, on September 5, Taylor boxes France’s Flora Pili, 12-0 (2 KOs), on what will surely be an emotionally-charged night.
On June 5, when the bout and the location was announced, a tearful and clearly-thrilled Peters couldn’t hide his happiness and spoke to the audience as though he was a proud father at his daughter’s wedding.
“Yeah, I said it’s the first time I’ve ever seen Brian getting emotional,” Taylor said on a recent media call. “I actually finally broke him is what I was saying to him. But I think he’s getting a lot of sick from that. But I think that just goes to show how much it actually meant to him. And he worked so hard on this himself over these last few months to actually get this over the line and we’ve been speaking about this maybe for the last four or five years.
“I don't think people outside of Ireland really understand how much Croke Park actually means to us and the history behind Croke Park and, politically, it has been so tough to get this over the line. So it meant so much the fact that we’re actually there on the top table at this press conference actually announcing that the fight has actually happened. And what an amazing response about this event as well.”
All 80,000 tickets evaporated in some 30 minutes in yet another example of Taylor’s box office appeal.
There hasn’t been a boxing event there since 1972, when Muhammad Ali fought Alvin “Blue” Lewis.
It was, of course, Peters who broke the news to Taylor, that the historic deal had been done.
“I actually had a conversation with the team after the last fight in the hotel room saying, ‘I think this is going to be it for me, guys, unless Croke Park actually happens,’” Taylor recalled. “But I kept training just because, in the back of my mind, I was thinking what if Croke Park actually happens. And maybe eight or nine months ago Brian rang me up and said, ‘Okay I’m going to give Croke Park one final shot’ and he was, with Eddie Hearn, they obviously worked so hard over the next few weeks and months in getting this over the line. And they got [influential Irish music promoter] Peter Aiken involved as well, which was a game-changer in this also. And then I got the phone call from Brian saying it’s a done deal. It’s all going to happen, and I had to fly home for the press conference. I still pinch myself that this has actually happened to be honest because obviously, you know yourself, politically it’s been so hard to get this fight over the line and I lost hope so many times over the last few years that this is actually going to happen and so, to get that phone call, this is the stuff of dreams. It’s the fairytale end I always wanted. And it’s been just amazing preparing for this fight over these last few weeks, I can't believe it's actually happening.”
The bond between manager Brian Peters and star-fighter Katie Taylor had never been more apparent than the day they sat on the top table and announced Taylor would, finally, headline at Croke Park.
Peters has been by Taylor’s side throughout her incredible professional journey that has seen them share 26 fights through 10 years.
They have headlined in Madison Square Garden, set attendance records, boxed on bills with Mike Tyson, unified, gone through the weights, been undisputed, fought on the lawn at Matchroom in COVID and much more besides.
Taylor is now 40 and preparing to bow out from professional boxing after one last big night, at the place she’d always dreamed of fighting at.
At Croke Park, on September 5, Taylor boxes France’s Flora Pili, 12-0 (2 KOs), on what will surely be an emotionally-charged night.
On June 5, when the bout and the location was announced, a tearful and clearly-thrilled Peters couldn’t hide his happiness and spoke to the audience as though he was a proud father at his daughter’s wedding.
“Yeah, I said it’s the first time I’ve ever seen Brian getting emotional,” Taylor said on a recent media call. “I actually finally broke him is what I was saying to him. But I think he’s getting a lot of sick from that. But I think that just goes to show how much it actually meant to him. And he worked so hard on this himself over these last few months to actually get this over the line and we’ve been speaking about this maybe for the last four or five years.
“I don't think people outside of Ireland really understand how much Croke Park actually means to us and the history behind Croke Park and, politically, it has been so tough to get this over the line. So it meant so much the fact that we’re actually there on the top table at this press conference actually announcing that the fight has actually happened. And what an amazing response about this event as well.”
All 80,000 tickets evaporated in some 30 minutes in yet another example of Taylor’s box office appeal.
There hasn’t been a boxing event there since 1972, when Muhammad Ali fought Alvin “Blue” Lewis.
It was, of course, Peters who broke the news to Taylor, that the historic deal had been done.
“I actually had a conversation with the team after the last fight in the hotel room saying, ‘I think this is going to be it for me, guys, unless Croke Park actually happens,’” Taylor recalled. “But I kept training just because, in the back of my mind, I was thinking what if Croke Park actually happens. And maybe eight or nine months ago Brian rang me up and said, ‘Okay I’m going to give Croke Park one final shot’ and he was, with Eddie Hearn, they obviously worked so hard over the next few weeks and months in getting this over the line. And they got [influential Irish music promoter] Peter Aiken involved as well, which was a game-changer in this also. And then I got the phone call from Brian saying it’s a done deal. It’s all going to happen, and I had to fly home for the press conference. I still pinch myself that this has actually happened to be honest because obviously, you know yourself, politically it’s been so hard to get this fight over the line and I lost hope so many times over the last few years that this is actually going to happen and so, to get that phone call, this is the stuff of dreams. It’s the fairytale end I always wanted. And it’s been just amazing preparing for this fight over these last few weeks, I can't believe it's actually happening.”
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forcefraser
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
I have a lot of respect for Katie Taylor. Not a big fan of women's boxing at all, but the work she has put in over a long career is a credit to be acknowledged. Hope she makes a motza and retires to life of happiness
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
10 year career. Mostly filled with world titles
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Ennis is helping McKenna prepare for his fight with Paddy.
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
WBC ANNOUNCE NEW BELT FOR TAYLOR VS PILI 
The WBC has confirmed that a new 'Queen of the Celts' belt will be on the line for the winner of Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili on September 5th

Do you think it'll be the perfect farewell for Taylor or will the undefeated Pili rip up the script?
The WBC has confirmed that a new 'Queen of the Celts' belt will be on the line for the winner of Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili on September 5th
Do you think it'll be the perfect farewell for Taylor or will the undefeated Pili rip up the script?
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Adam Olaniyan hopes to harness Irish fan power
Adam Olaniyan believes galvanizing the fanatical Irish support will play a crucial role in his career.
Heavyweights will always attract attention but it's much easier for any fighter to connect with a fan base if they can get them invested in their journey right from the very start.
Olaniyan turned professional in March. Two of his first three fights have taken place in front of his hometown crowd at Dublin’s 3Arena and the 20-year-old has made an immediate impression with a pair of exciting knockouts.
On September 5, things go up a few notches. Around 80,000 fans are expected to file in to the city’s Croke Park to say an emotional farewell to Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor as the multi-weight world champion brings down the curtain on her career with an undisputed junior welterweight title fight against Flora Pili.
Olaniyan (3-0, 3 KOs) will box on the show and and can be assured of a showcase spot on the undercard.
The first six months of Olaniyan’s career couldn’t have gone any better.
“Definitely not and it’s just getting the people from my home city, Dublin, and obviously Ireland behind me,” he told The Ring.
“They get to see me on the big screen and fighting on these big shows. It’s good because I want to be the next Irish heavyweight hope. I want to be the one to bring the big heavyweight nights back to Ireland, back to Dublin. So, getting these opportunities to show the people of Ireland what I'm about this early is a big blessing and it's an opportunity I'm not taking lightly. I'm looking forward to the future and I'm definitely going to get there.”
A group of talented young Irish fighters have emerged over the past 12 months but as an exciting, charismatic heavyweight, Olaniyan is ideally placed to pick up Taylor’s mantle and run with it.
So far, the 6-foot-6 Olaniyan hasn’t had to lean too heavily on the technical skills that took him to a World Youth Championship in 2019 but he has shown hand speed, aggression, flair and power.
As he career progresses, a large fan base could prove to be a big intangible quality.
Olaniyan is still some way away from the type of fights that will involve detailed, drawn-out discussions but a large, passionate support is a very useful factor to bring to any negotiating table.
“Most definitely because you know the Irish fans, when we have somebody we get behind them and we push them right to the top,” he said.
“I think this new crop of heavyweights — myself, Moses Itauma, Daniel Dubois, Leo Atang — I definitely think it's like a resurgence of the golden era of the heavyweight division so I think there's going to be a lot of big fights to be made down the line. Of course, there’s a lot of development still though in all of us and I definitely think that the Irish people can get behind me and push me to the top.
“I think it's a recipe for success and it's a recipe for sold-out arenas and sold-out stadiums anywhere in the world because you know Irish fans are known to travel.
“It's good to get the support I’m getting now but in the future when I'm bringing in titles it will only increase of course.”
Adam Olaniyan believes galvanizing the fanatical Irish support will play a crucial role in his career.
Heavyweights will always attract attention but it's much easier for any fighter to connect with a fan base if they can get them invested in their journey right from the very start.
Olaniyan turned professional in March. Two of his first three fights have taken place in front of his hometown crowd at Dublin’s 3Arena and the 20-year-old has made an immediate impression with a pair of exciting knockouts.
On September 5, things go up a few notches. Around 80,000 fans are expected to file in to the city’s Croke Park to say an emotional farewell to Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor as the multi-weight world champion brings down the curtain on her career with an undisputed junior welterweight title fight against Flora Pili.
Olaniyan (3-0, 3 KOs) will box on the show and and can be assured of a showcase spot on the undercard.
The first six months of Olaniyan’s career couldn’t have gone any better.
“Definitely not and it’s just getting the people from my home city, Dublin, and obviously Ireland behind me,” he told The Ring.
“They get to see me on the big screen and fighting on these big shows. It’s good because I want to be the next Irish heavyweight hope. I want to be the one to bring the big heavyweight nights back to Ireland, back to Dublin. So, getting these opportunities to show the people of Ireland what I'm about this early is a big blessing and it's an opportunity I'm not taking lightly. I'm looking forward to the future and I'm definitely going to get there.”
A group of talented young Irish fighters have emerged over the past 12 months but as an exciting, charismatic heavyweight, Olaniyan is ideally placed to pick up Taylor’s mantle and run with it.
So far, the 6-foot-6 Olaniyan hasn’t had to lean too heavily on the technical skills that took him to a World Youth Championship in 2019 but he has shown hand speed, aggression, flair and power.
As he career progresses, a large fan base could prove to be a big intangible quality.
Olaniyan is still some way away from the type of fights that will involve detailed, drawn-out discussions but a large, passionate support is a very useful factor to bring to any negotiating table.
“Most definitely because you know the Irish fans, when we have somebody we get behind them and we push them right to the top,” he said.
“I think this new crop of heavyweights — myself, Moses Itauma, Daniel Dubois, Leo Atang — I definitely think it's like a resurgence of the golden era of the heavyweight division so I think there's going to be a lot of big fights to be made down the line. Of course, there’s a lot of development still though in all of us and I definitely think that the Irish people can get behind me and push me to the top.
“I think it's a recipe for success and it's a recipe for sold-out arenas and sold-out stadiums anywhere in the world because you know Irish fans are known to travel.
“It's good to get the support I’m getting now but in the future when I'm bringing in titles it will only increase of course.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Mikaela Mayer explains why she missed out on Katie Taylor showdown
Mikaela Mayer will fight Chantelle Cameron next weekend, but unlike her English opponent, she has accepted that she won’t get to fight Irish great Katie Taylor.
Cameron split two memorable fights with Taylor, who is expected to bow out of the sport after her September 5 fight against Flora Pili.
Mayer, 36, naturally hoped she would one day do battle with Taylor, but now knows that dream fight will not happen.
“I always thought we would fight and I always wanted that fight. And I think I just assumed it would always happen,” Mayer told Boxing Scene.
“And so I also knew that Katie was sort of in the driver’s seat when it came to who she wanted to fight so it was like, ‘Oh, no, it’ll happen down the road, but it’ll happen when it’s time when Katie seeks me out or something like that.’
“I don’t know, but I think ultimately, I probably stayed at 130 a little bit too long and missed that Katie train, because when I finally moved up to 135 and I won the interim belt, they told me I would be mandatory for the winner of Taylor-[Amanda] Serrano, except they had a trilogy. So when I heard that, I was like, ‘Cool.’
“But then, when I heard the rematch was happening,’ I was like, ‘I’m not going to sit around and wait. I don’t have the time. I’m going to continue on.’”
It was then when she landed the fight with Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas and there had been whispers that Mayer, 22-2 (5 KOs), had been in the frame for the September 5 date at Croke Park. Not so, said Mayer.
“I was sitting out crossing my fingers like everyone else,” Mayer said. “I would have loved to get that call. But, you know, that would have been pretty, pretty ballsy of Katie. I feel like I’m in my prime.
“I’ve had some really great fights the last few fights and this is her last fight.
“So I wasn’t sure that she'd want to take on someone like me. And, again, I know that she had the privilege to kind of decide who she wanted to fight.
“I was crossing my fingers, but I was realistic about it.”
Mikaela Mayer will fight Chantelle Cameron next weekend, but unlike her English opponent, she has accepted that she won’t get to fight Irish great Katie Taylor.
Cameron split two memorable fights with Taylor, who is expected to bow out of the sport after her September 5 fight against Flora Pili.
Mayer, 36, naturally hoped she would one day do battle with Taylor, but now knows that dream fight will not happen.
“I always thought we would fight and I always wanted that fight. And I think I just assumed it would always happen,” Mayer told Boxing Scene.
“And so I also knew that Katie was sort of in the driver’s seat when it came to who she wanted to fight so it was like, ‘Oh, no, it’ll happen down the road, but it’ll happen when it’s time when Katie seeks me out or something like that.’
“I don’t know, but I think ultimately, I probably stayed at 130 a little bit too long and missed that Katie train, because when I finally moved up to 135 and I won the interim belt, they told me I would be mandatory for the winner of Taylor-[Amanda] Serrano, except they had a trilogy. So when I heard that, I was like, ‘Cool.’
“But then, when I heard the rematch was happening,’ I was like, ‘I’m not going to sit around and wait. I don’t have the time. I’m going to continue on.’”
It was then when she landed the fight with Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas and there had been whispers that Mayer, 22-2 (5 KOs), had been in the frame for the September 5 date at Croke Park. Not so, said Mayer.
“I was sitting out crossing my fingers like everyone else,” Mayer said. “I would have loved to get that call. But, you know, that would have been pretty, pretty ballsy of Katie. I feel like I’m in my prime.
“I’ve had some really great fights the last few fights and this is her last fight.
“So I wasn’t sure that she'd want to take on someone like me. And, again, I know that she had the privilege to kind of decide who she wanted to fight.
“I was crossing my fingers, but I was realistic about it.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
Premieres at 12pm
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Re: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili | DAZN - 5 September 2026
KATIE TAYLOR: THREE PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN AN OUTSTANDING CAREER
Katie Taylor will bring down the curtain on an outstanding career on Saturday night.
The Ring’s No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter will finally achieve a long-held dream of fighting at Dublin’s Croke Park, walking to fight France’s Flora Pili with the cheers of 80,000 fans and well-wishers ringing in her ears.
It should prove to be a fitting send-off for one of boxing’s most accomplished and unique characters. As an amateur, Taylor broke down barriers.
Back in 2001 she competed in the first women’s fight to be officially sanctioned by the Irish boxing authorities before going on to win five world championships and six European titles. Taylor also led the campaign for women’s boxing to be included in the Olympics, famously winning gold at the 2012 edition in London.
As a professional, she is a former two-division undisputed champion at lightweight and junior welterweight. Ring champion Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) currently holds the WBO, IBF and WBA 140-pound titles. Saturday’s show will give fans the opportunity to say an emotional goodbye, knowing their hero still has important business to deal with.
Now 39, Taylor will be desperate to beat Pili (12-0, 2 KOs), add the vacant WBC title to her collection and depart the sport as undisputed 140-pound champion.
Taylor’s sporting achievements have long warranted high standing in Irish sporting history but it is her quiet, humble demeanor and pride in representing her country earning her a place in people's hearts.
With that, let's take a look back at three pivotal moments of a phenomenal career.
KATIE TAYLOR VS. KARINA SZMALENBERG WEMBLEY ARENA, LONDON NOVEMBER 2016
After losing in the 2016 Rio Olympic quarter-finals, Taylor got in touch with Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn to ask whether he would be interested in discussions about steering her as a professional.
Taylor was already an Irish folk hero and both parties knew she possessed potential to entirely change the face of women’s boxing. Neither could have anticipated just where those initial messages would eventually lead.
Taylor was already 30 when making her debut, boxing Poland's 24-fight veteran Karina Szmalenberg on the Ohara Davies-Andrea Scarpa undercard in November 2016. She won in the third round.
Given the accolades Taylor has earned in the intervening decade, it may seem surprising to choose a routine stoppage win over an overmatched opponent as a career highlight. Nonetheless, it isn't an exaggeration to say Taylor's decision to turn pro helped change an entire sport and caused a wave of interest still being felt to this day.
KATIE TAYLOR VS. CHANTELLE CAMERON II 3ARENA, DUBLIN NOVEMBER 2023
When Taylor sits back and reflects on her career, she'll be proud of a packed trophy cabinet as well as the knowledge made an indelible impact on the sport she loves.
Thinking back on various fights and rivalries she's been through, exacting revenge over Chantelle Cameron might just provide the Irishwoman the most personal satisfaction.
It may also be her best performance.
In May 2023, the hard-hitting Cameron travelled to Dublin’s 3Arena as the undisputed junior welterweight champion and produced an outstanding display to inflict the first and only defeat of Taylor’s professional career.
Aged 36 and with accomplishments aplenty behind her, Taylor could have been forgiven for sidestepping a rematch and plotting a lucrative route away from sport.
Instead, she immediately set her sights on evening the score with a younger, stronger fighter.
She got back to the gym, whipped herself into ferocious shape and six months later, the pair renewed hostilities at a passionate, partisan 3Arena.
Taylor was rough and tough but also technically brilliant. She outworked and outpunched Cameron, thoroughly deserving to regain her undisputed crown by majority decision.
At the time, it felt like a great champion digging deep into her reserves and dragging out a final great performance but incredibly, Taylor would achieve even bigger heights.
KATIE TAYLOR VS. AMANDA SERRANO II AT&T STADIUM, TEAXS NOVEMBER 2024
In April 2022, Katie Taylor and Amando Serrano shared an incredible 10-round battle at Madison Square Garden.
Taylor was awarded a close, controversial split-decision win to retain her undisputed lightweight crown. The two went their separate ways, reconvening 2.5 years later on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard.
Around 70,000 fans watched the most unusual pairing in boxing history share the ring at the cavernous AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The live gate paled into insignificance compared to the worldwide streaming audience.
Some casual sports fans tuned in hoping to see a 58-year-old Tyson somehow roll back the years. Those expecting the night to generate gaudy headlines and professional wrestling-esque incidents instead found something even better.
They were absorbed by the toe-to-toe action provided by two of women's boxing icons.
Taylor and Serrano had been leading figures in the sport's rise and, given the platform to showcase their talents worldwide, both delivered to give their discipline a further shot in the arm.
In July 2025, the two returned to a wild Madison Square Garden for a third. Taylor clearly separated herself from her long-time rival that night, completing a clean sweep of their trilogy but the two will forever be tied together.
Katie Taylor will bring down the curtain on an outstanding career on Saturday night.
The Ring’s No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter will finally achieve a long-held dream of fighting at Dublin’s Croke Park, walking to fight France’s Flora Pili with the cheers of 80,000 fans and well-wishers ringing in her ears.
It should prove to be a fitting send-off for one of boxing’s most accomplished and unique characters. As an amateur, Taylor broke down barriers.
Back in 2001 she competed in the first women’s fight to be officially sanctioned by the Irish boxing authorities before going on to win five world championships and six European titles. Taylor also led the campaign for women’s boxing to be included in the Olympics, famously winning gold at the 2012 edition in London.
As a professional, she is a former two-division undisputed champion at lightweight and junior welterweight. Ring champion Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) currently holds the WBO, IBF and WBA 140-pound titles. Saturday’s show will give fans the opportunity to say an emotional goodbye, knowing their hero still has important business to deal with.
Now 39, Taylor will be desperate to beat Pili (12-0, 2 KOs), add the vacant WBC title to her collection and depart the sport as undisputed 140-pound champion.
Taylor’s sporting achievements have long warranted high standing in Irish sporting history but it is her quiet, humble demeanor and pride in representing her country earning her a place in people's hearts.
With that, let's take a look back at three pivotal moments of a phenomenal career.
KATIE TAYLOR VS. KARINA SZMALENBERG WEMBLEY ARENA, LONDON NOVEMBER 2016
After losing in the 2016 Rio Olympic quarter-finals, Taylor got in touch with Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn to ask whether he would be interested in discussions about steering her as a professional.
Taylor was already an Irish folk hero and both parties knew she possessed potential to entirely change the face of women’s boxing. Neither could have anticipated just where those initial messages would eventually lead.
Taylor was already 30 when making her debut, boxing Poland's 24-fight veteran Karina Szmalenberg on the Ohara Davies-Andrea Scarpa undercard in November 2016. She won in the third round.
Given the accolades Taylor has earned in the intervening decade, it may seem surprising to choose a routine stoppage win over an overmatched opponent as a career highlight. Nonetheless, it isn't an exaggeration to say Taylor's decision to turn pro helped change an entire sport and caused a wave of interest still being felt to this day.
KATIE TAYLOR VS. CHANTELLE CAMERON II 3ARENA, DUBLIN NOVEMBER 2023
When Taylor sits back and reflects on her career, she'll be proud of a packed trophy cabinet as well as the knowledge made an indelible impact on the sport she loves.
Thinking back on various fights and rivalries she's been through, exacting revenge over Chantelle Cameron might just provide the Irishwoman the most personal satisfaction.
It may also be her best performance.
In May 2023, the hard-hitting Cameron travelled to Dublin’s 3Arena as the undisputed junior welterweight champion and produced an outstanding display to inflict the first and only defeat of Taylor’s professional career.
Aged 36 and with accomplishments aplenty behind her, Taylor could have been forgiven for sidestepping a rematch and plotting a lucrative route away from sport.
Instead, she immediately set her sights on evening the score with a younger, stronger fighter.
She got back to the gym, whipped herself into ferocious shape and six months later, the pair renewed hostilities at a passionate, partisan 3Arena.
Taylor was rough and tough but also technically brilliant. She outworked and outpunched Cameron, thoroughly deserving to regain her undisputed crown by majority decision.
At the time, it felt like a great champion digging deep into her reserves and dragging out a final great performance but incredibly, Taylor would achieve even bigger heights.
KATIE TAYLOR VS. AMANDA SERRANO II AT&T STADIUM, TEAXS NOVEMBER 2024
In April 2022, Katie Taylor and Amando Serrano shared an incredible 10-round battle at Madison Square Garden.
Taylor was awarded a close, controversial split-decision win to retain her undisputed lightweight crown. The two went their separate ways, reconvening 2.5 years later on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard.
Around 70,000 fans watched the most unusual pairing in boxing history share the ring at the cavernous AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The live gate paled into insignificance compared to the worldwide streaming audience.
Some casual sports fans tuned in hoping to see a 58-year-old Tyson somehow roll back the years. Those expecting the night to generate gaudy headlines and professional wrestling-esque incidents instead found something even better.
They were absorbed by the toe-to-toe action provided by two of women's boxing icons.
Taylor and Serrano had been leading figures in the sport's rise and, given the platform to showcase their talents worldwide, both delivered to give their discipline a further shot in the arm.
In July 2025, the two returned to a wild Madison Square Garden for a third. Taylor clearly separated herself from her long-time rival that night, completing a clean sweep of their trilogy but the two will forever be tied together.