Ireland’s boxing great Katie Taylor bows out as undisputed champion

Irish boxing great Katie Taylor concluded her career with a victory over France's Flora Pili in Dublin on Saturday. The 40-year-old retained her WBA, IBF, and WBO super-lightweight belts and secured the vacant WBC title, becoming the undisputed champion for the third time. Taylor's win came in front of 80,000 fans at Croke Park, marking a triumphant end to a career that significantly advanced women's boxing. She controlled much of the fight with her movement and timing, ultimately winning by unanimous decision. Taylor expressed gratitude to her family after her final bout.

Irish boxer Katie Taylor is set for her final professional fight at Dublin's Croke Park on Saturday, defending her super-lightweight titles. This marks the end of a pioneering career for the 40-year-old Olympic gold medallist, who inspired a generation of women in boxing. The event, a valedictory bout, has generated immense excitement, with tickets selling out in 17 minutes for the 80,000-capacity stadium. Taylor's journey began with her disguising herself as a boy to fight due to bans on women in boxing, and she was instrumental in lifting these restrictions and advocating for women's inclusion in the Olympics. Her hometown of Bray is celebrating her legacy, with many expressing pride in her achievements and humility.

Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor, now 40, is preparing for a potential fairytale finish to her career in front of an 80,000-strong crowd at Dublin's Croke Park on Saturday. She will face undefeated French challenger Flora Pili, with Taylor's WBA, IBF, and WBO super-lightweight titles, along with the vacant WBC belt, on the line. This fight marks a significant moment, potentially making Taylor an undisputed world champion for the third time. Taylor expressed gratitude for the immense support from her country, highlighting the rarity of such a turnout for a female athlete. The event is particularly meaningful as it's the first boxing show at Croke Park since 1972, and Taylor emphasized the need to remain focused despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding her potential retirement.