Katie Taylor concluded her boxing career with a victory over Flora Pili at Croke Park in Dublin, achieving a third undisputed world championship. The judges’ scores were 100-90, 100-90, and 98-91 in her final professional bout. This event marked the first boxing headline at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali faced Al “Blue” Lewis in 1972.
Taylor’s farewell fight was described by her as the most special moment of her career, surpassing her Olympic gold at London 2012, headlining Madison Square Garden, and her trilogy against Amanda Serrano. The atmosphere at Croke Park was beyond her wildest dreams, with a crowd of 80,000 witnessing her unanimous points victory.
A Dream Ending to a Decorated Career
The Irish boxer outclassed Pili, who was previously unbeaten, across all 10 rounds. Wild celebrations erupted following the announcement of the scorecards. Taylor expressed her satisfaction at ending her career on her own terms, as an undisputed champion, a goal she had maintained throughout her journey.
Taylor delivered a thrilling performance, culminating in an all-out assault in the final 10 seconds, which was met with roars from the crowd. After the final bell, she smiled and embraced her opponent, acknowledging that she had thrown her last punches. She reflected on the night as everything she had expected and more, noting the emotional preparation leading up to the event.
She believes that Ireland is unique in its ability to draw such a large crowd for a female athlete, stating her conviction that no other country would sell 80,000 tickets for such an event. Taylor began her career with the dream of becoming an Olympic champion, which she achieved, and described the subsequent 10 years as remarkable and beyond her wildest dreams.
Tributes from the Boxing World
The boxing community paid tribute to Taylor following her final fight. Unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois called Taylor “one of the best to ever do it,” while Claressa Shields stated that Taylor deserved to “ride off into the sunset.” Taylor retires with 26 wins from 27 professional contests, an Olympic gold medal, and three undisputed title triumphs across two divisions.
Dubois thanked 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 on her career. Super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner described 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 noted Taylor’s unique relationship with the Irish public, highlighting the adulation she receives despite her reserved nature with the media. He emphasized her special qualities, stating there would never be another like her. Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew described the occasion as one of the most remarkable exits in the sport’s history, praising Taylor for retiring as an undisputed champion on her own terms.
Bellew also highlighted the beauty and fitting nature of her departure, expressing that he had never witnessed such an exit in his years of watching boxing. Former world champion Barry Jones specifically recalled the final 20 seconds of the fight, where Taylor unleashed rapid combinations, a signature move that defined many of her significant bouts. This final burst of punches served as a memorable conclusion to her career.
American boxer Mikaela Mayer, who was ringside, was particularly moved by the image of Taylor placing her gloves in the center of the ring, likening it to the closing of a story. Taylor had long harbored the dream of fighting at Croke Park and had expressed her desire for the stadium to host the final chapter of her career. Bellew, while believing Taylor would not return to boxing, suggested she might remain involved by mentoring younger fighters, offering advice and support as she sails off into the sunset.
Eddie Hearn, speaking to DAZN, declared the event the greatest atmosphere and occasion boxing has ever seen, with 83,000 people in attendance. He lauded Taylor as the greatest Irish sportsperson of all time, crediting her refusal to accept no for an answer and the unwavering support of the entire nation for making the event a reality.
Taylor’s performance saw her repeatedly beat Pili to the punch, finishing with a final flurry of combinations that brought the crowd to its feet. The event also featured a performance by Westlife before the main fight, adding to the spectacle of her final night at Croke Park.
Source: skysports.com
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