RTÉ to broadcast Katie Taylor's Croke Park fight

Irish broadcaster RTÉ has secured the rights to air Katie Taylor's highly anticipated fight against Flora Pili at Croke Park next month. The bout, scheduled for September 5th, will see the Bray native defend her WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles while also competing for the vacant WBC super lightweight championship.

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so grateful

The fight is a historic clash against the undefeated French fighter, Pili, who is the top-ranked contender for the recently vacated WBC belt and the mandatory challenger for Taylor's IBF light-welterweight title. Taylor, currently holding the IBF, WBA, and WBO championships, had previously vacated the WBC belt last year during a break from boxing.

RTÉ head of sport Declan McBennett emphasized the broadcaster's long-standing connection with Taylor. "RTÉ was there at the start of Katie’s journey as an amateur and we are delighted to be there for the final chapter," he stated. McBennett added, "Katie is, and always will be, one of Ireland’s greatest ever sporting icons and it is fitting that she ends her illustrious career in Croke Park in front of a full stadium and a national audience."

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RTÉ was there at the start of Katie’s journey as an amateur and we are delighted to be there for the final chapter.

This event marks a significant return to professional boxing at Croke Park, which last hosted a professional bout in 1972 when Muhammad Ali fought Al ‘Blue’ Lewis. The sold-out fight is expected to be a major event for Irish sports fans, potentially marking the end of an illustrious career for one of Ireland's most celebrated athletes.

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Katie is, and always will be, one of Ireland’s greatest ever sporting icons and it is fitting that she ends her illustrious career in Croke Park in front of a full stadium and a national audience.