Taylor to face Pili in Croke Park farewellImage source, InphoImage caption, Katie Taylor last fought against Amanda Serrano in July 2025Published4 June 2026Updated 55 minutes agoKatie Taylor mentioned fulfilling her long-held dream of fighting at Croke Park will be the “perfect way” to end her decorated career after it was confirmed she will face Flora Pili at the Dublin venue on 5 September.Taylor will bid to become a three-time undisputed champion against unbeaten French fighter Pili in what will be the first boxing event at the 82,300-capacity Gaelic Games venue since Muhammad Ali’s victory over Al ‘Blue’ Lewis in July 1972.Taylor will defend her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles and attempt to add the vacant WBC belt against mandatory challenge Pili, who boasts a 12-0 record.The 39-year-old Irishwoman has not boxed since completing a clean sweep of the trilogy against Amanda Serrano in New York’s Madison Square Garden last July, which saw her retain her undisputed light-welterweight title.
“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,” mentioned Taylor.
“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.”
Taylor added: “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.
“This is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career. To have the chance to fight in a packed-out stadium in Croke Park, our most iconic venue, it’s the cathedral of Irish sport, really.”
Paying tribute to Taylor, Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn mentioned: “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 that, it’ll be her moment.”
