Katie Taylor hopes to produce the performance of her career when she takes to the ring one final time against Flora Pili at Croke Park in Dublin.
Taylor has not fought since she retained her undisputed title by edging July’s trilogy fight against Amanda Serrano in New York.
The 39-year-old, who won Olympic gold at London 2012, announced in February she intended to end her “amazing journey” back on home soil, with the 82,000-capacity Dublin venue confirmed on Friday for a showdown with unbeaten French fighter Pili on September 5.
Taylor holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles with IBO champion Pili, 28, now the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt as well as top-ranked contender for the WBC crown vacated by Sandy Ryan.
Taylor – who is defending a 25-1 record – has the chance to finish her career with all of the titles back in in her grasp.
“After the last fight I wasn’t sure where I was going to fight again – the only thing that would give you that passion again was Croke Park,” Taylor said during a press conference at the Dublin venue on Friday.
“I also wanted to be in a real fight with real risk that gives you the drive and hunger to go again, and I have that in Flora. It is a very dangerous fight and I have to be at my very, very best.
“But I do imagine that ring walk, the last time I will be stepping into the ring. I think of hearing that ‘ole, ole, ole’ around Croke Park one last time.
“It is going to be very, very special, and I want to put on a performance worthy of everyone’s support over these last few years.”
Taylor fought twice at Dublin’s 3 Arena against Chantelle Cameron in 2023 but had always dreamed of walking out at Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
“This has been on my career bucket list, especially the last couple of months, but this is beyond my wildest dreams,” Taylor said.
“I have a the chance to fight in a packed-out stadium in Croke Park, our most iconic venue, it is the cathedral of Irish sport really.
“I also have the chance to become a three-time undisputed champion – how amazing is that? This is just the perfect way to end my career.”
Pili welcomed the “huge opportunity” of her “dream” fight against Taylor.
The Frenchwoman said: “I have followed Katie Taylor’s career – she is a legend of female sport. I will be, with all of my team, coming here to make a name for myself.”
It had been rumoured Taylor could fight on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s clash with British rival Tyson Fury.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, though, stressed she was never set for anything other than star billing – with Taylor’s bout the first professional boxing event at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali’s memorable heavyweight win over Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis in 1972.
“It will be the biggest ever moment in the history of female boxing, it will be the biggest crowd in the history of female sport for an individual athlete,” Hearn said.
“It will be one of the greatest sporting moments this country has ever seen – but more important than that, it will be her moment.”
