'One of the best': Boxing world salutes Katie Taylor after farewell win

Katie Taylor left boxing with one final burst of the combinations that defined her career, defeating Flora Pili on points before more than 80,000 fans at Dublin's Croke Park.

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One of the best to ever do it

The victory made Taylor undisputed light-welterweight champion and gave her three undisputed title triumphs across two divisions. She retires with 26 wins from 27 professional contests, Olympic gold and a record of beating every woman she faced as a professional. The judges scored the fight 100-90, 100-90 and 98-91 in her favor, handing Frenchwoman Pili the first defeat of her career.

Taylor controlled the fight with sharper work, repeatedly beating Pili to the punch before closing with a rapid combination as the crowd rose to its feet. Former world champion Barry Jones said those final exchanges captured what people would remember most about Taylor: “Those rallies of big punches, combinations and that's how she finished her last fight.”

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Ride off into the sunset

Tributes came from across women's boxing. Unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois called Taylor “one of the best to ever do it” and thanked her for paving the way. Claressa Shields said Taylor deserved to “ride off into the sunset,” while Alycia Baumgardner described her as “a trailblazer who helped set the stage for all of us.”

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A trailblazer who helped set the stage for all of us

Former world champions Carl Frampton and Tony Bellew focused on the farewell's personal and symbolic weight. Frampton said Taylor was “different” and “special,” adding, “there will never be another one like her.” Bellew called it one of the most beautiful and fitting exits he had seen, saying Taylor had retired as the greatest champion ever and left as an undisputed champion on her own terms.

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There will never be another one like her