Taylor to fight Pili in Croke Park swansong

Katie Taylor's illustrious boxing career will culminate at Croke Park on September 5, when she faces Flora Pili in her final professional bout. This historic event will mark the return of boxing to the iconic GAA headquarters for the first time since Muhammad Ali fought there in July 1972.

Taylor expressed her excitement about the venue and the significance of the fight. "We've actually brought boxing back to Croke Park," she stated. "This is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career. I have a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion, how amazing is that? The perfect way to end my career."

Pili enters the fight undefeated with a 12-0 record, including two knockout victories. She previously held the European super lightweight title and secured the vacant IBO crown in December.

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We've actually brought boxing back to Croke Park. This is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career. I have a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion, how amazing is that? The perfect way to end my career.

Promoter Eddie Hearn lauded Taylor's journey, calling it "incredible" from her initial message about turning professional to her high-profile bouts against fighters like Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron. Hearn anticipates a record-breaking crowd for a female athlete's individual event.

"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," Hearn said. "More important than that, it'll be her moment."

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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.