One of the most legendary careers in the history of women’s boxing is about to come to an end. Irish star Katie Taylor will fight the final bout of her career before hanging up the gloves on September 5, and she will do so in front of her home fans at Croke Park in Dublin, where she will attempt to become an undisputed world champion for the third time by facing France’s Flora Pili for all four super lightweight world titles.
Taylor, who had repeatedly expressed her desire to finish her sporting journey in Ireland, reacted to the official announcement with great enthusiasm:
“We did it. Boxing is back at Croke Park. 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.”
The Irish fighter was also keen to praise her opponent, stressing that this will not be an easy farewell fight:
“I also wanted to be in a real fight with a real risk that gives you the drive no longer to go again. 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.”
Flora Pili holds a perfect professional record of 12 wins in as many fights, including two victories inside the distance. Italian boxing fans may remember her from May 2023, when she traveled to Padua and defeated Italy’s Silvia Bortot at the Palantenore Arena to capture the vacant European super lightweight title.
The French boxer commented on her upcoming showdown with Katie Taylor in the following way:
“This is a huge opportunity. This is a dream come true to fight Katie Taylor. 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.”