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Taylor to face Pili in Croke Park farewell

Katie Taylor will bring the curtain down on her decorated career in a farewell fight against Flora Pili on 5 September at Croke Park.

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 iconic 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.

"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."

Taylor's Croke Park dream was firs 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."

More to follow.