Dublin celebrates as Katie Taylor crowns career with Croke Park triumph

By Daniel Forsythe — 5 September 2026 — 3 min read

Katie Taylor concluded her distinguished boxing career as a three-time undisputed world champion, receiving a memorable send-off at Croke Park. The event, marked by celebration and music, saw Taylor, at 40 years old, defeat the unbeaten Flora Pili by points. This victory added the vacant WBC belt to her existing WBA, WBO, and IBF light-welterweight titles.

Taylor delivered a final display of her signature footwork, speed, and sharp pressure fighting against her French opponent, securing the win with scores of 100-90, 100-90, and 98-91. Promoter Eddie Hearn praised Taylor as “Ireland’s greatest sportsperson” before she completed a final lap of the ring, acknowledging the crowd and symbolically placing her gloves and belts on the canvas.

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This event marked a dream conclusion for Taylor, an Olympic champion and two-weight world champion who has been a significant figure in women’s professional boxing for nearly a quarter of a century. She retires with a record of 26 wins and just one defeat, in a night filled with national pride and a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by a performance from pop group Westlife.

The atmosphere in Croke Park was electric, with approximately 80% of the attendees experiencing a boxing event for the first time. The crowd gathered to honor Taylor, who has been instrumental in elevating women’s sport and inspiring a nation. This gathering represented the sixth-largest post-war attendance for a boxing event globally, with the stands adorned in green and white, and tricolours draped over shoulders.

Musical performances by Westlife, including ‘World of Our Own’ and ‘You Raise Me Up’, resonated through the stadium, with thousands participating as phone lights illuminated the tiers. The mood shifted for an a cappella rendition of ‘Grace’, an Irish ballad, followed by the national anthem. Chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole” filled the air during Pili’s entrance, preceding Taylor’s emergence to ‘All Hail King Jesus’, a reflection of her faith.

Taylor, who turned professional in 2016, showcased her skill from the second round, delivering quick combinations and maintaining distance. She consistently outmaneuvered Pili, making effective use of the two-minute rounds. Pili, 29, entered the fight with an unbeaten record of 12 contests and a European title, but faced a significant challenge against Taylor’s experience and caliber.

The celebratory mood persisted throughout the fight, as Taylor controlled the pace. Despite Pili having a brief strong moment in the seventh round, it did not alter the fight’s trajectory. As the final two minutes approached, Croke Park erupted as Taylor continued her offensive. Following the fight, she embraced her mother, trainer, and manager in the ring as ‘Celebration’ played, before the official result was announced.

Taylor has consistently stated that her fight at Croke Park would be her last, and she departs the sport having defeated every professional opponent she has faced. Her sole professional loss occurred against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin in 2023, a defeat she avenged six months later at the 3Arena to become an undisputed champion in a second weight division.

After the final bell, Taylor expressed gratitude to her family and addressed the crowd, managing to hold back tears. She acknowledged the unique support from her home country, stating, “I don’t know any other country that would sell 80,000 tickets for a female athlete. I’m convinced Ireland is the only country.”

Taylor’s career is highlighted by her trilogy victories against Amanda Serrano, and her impact extends beyond statistics. Her journey began when she had to pretend to be a boy to box due to restrictions on girls in the sport. She played a crucial role in getting boxing sanctioned for women in Ireland and included in the Olympics, subsequently excelling in both amateur and professional boxing. The last boxing event at Croke Park was in 1972.