Katie Taylor's farewell fight confirmed as Irish boxer set to fulfil 'most iconic moment of career'
Katie Taylor has confirmed her illustrious boxing career will conclude with a showdown against Flora Pili at Croke Park on September 5.
The Irish fighter described the Dublin bout as the ideal finale to her remarkable journey in the sport.
Taylor will defend her WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles while attempting to add the WBC belt against Pili, who has a perfect record of 12-0.
The Irish boxer said: "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.
"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.
"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."
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Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn paid tribute to Taylor's extraordinary career, recalling how it began with a direct message expressing her desire to turn professional.
He said: Going through her career, from sending a DM saying she wanted to turn pro to those Serrano fights, the Cameron bouts, the journey has been incredible.
"It'll be the biggest crowd in the history of female sport for an individual athlete; it'll be one of the greatest sporting moments this country has ever seen. More important than that, it'll be her moment."
The promoter anticipates approximately 80,000 spectators will fill the Dublin venue for the occasion.
Taylor experienced her only career loss in 26 fights against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin in May 2023, but later that year, she avenged the defeat.
Speaking about fighting Pili, she said: "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."
Pili, speaking through a translator, offered a straightforward assessment of the opportunity before her.
She said: "I follow Katie Taylor's career, she's a legend of the sport.
"I come here to make a name for myself."
Details of the rest of the card have not been confirmed, with Hearn saying "every Irish fighter, current and retired" has asked to be on the card.
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