Katie Taylor calls Croke Park fight ‘perfect way’ to cap career

Katie Taylor has described fulfilling a long-standing ambition to fight at Croke Park as the ‘perfect way’ to conclude her illustrious career, after confirmation that she will face unbeaten French contender Flora Pili in Dublin on 5th September.

The 39-year-old Irish boxing icon will aim to become a three-time undisputed champion when she steps into the ring at the 82,300-capacity stadium, which has not hosted a boxing event since Muhammad Ali defeated Al ‘Blue’ Lewis in 1972.

Taylor will put her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine light-welterweight titles on the line and also contest the vacant WBC belt against mandatory challenger Pili, who holds a 12-0 professional record.

The bout comes after Taylor’s dominant trilogy victory over Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden last July, a result that preserved her undisputed status.

Speaking about the landmark event, Taylor said ending her career at Croke Park while fighting for undisputed status is a dream come true and a historic moment for Irish boxing.

“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,” Taylor said.

“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.”