A historic farewell in Dublin
Katie Taylor concluded her distinguished boxing career as a three-time undisputed world champion, receiving a grand send-off at Croke Park. The event was a night of celebration, spectacle, and music, honouring one of Ireland’s most significant sporting figures. Taylor, at 40 years old, outclassed the unbeaten Flora Pili on points, adding the vacant WBC belt to her existing WBA, WBO, and IBF light-welterweight titles.
In front of an estimated 80,000 fans, Taylor delivered a final stylish performance, showcasing the footwork, speed, and sharp pressure fighting that have been hallmarks of her career. She secured victory with judges’ scores of 100-90, 100-90, and 98-91. Promoter Eddie Hearn lauded Taylor as “Ireland’s greatest sportsperson” as she completed a final lap of the ring, acknowledging the crowd before ceremonially placing her gloves and belts in the centre of the canvas.
This event marked a fairytale ending for Taylor at her desired venue, capping nearly a quarter-century in the sport. An Olympic champion, two-weight world champion, and a pioneer in women’s professional boxing, she retires with a record of 26 wins and one defeat. The atmosphere was deeply rooted in Irish pride, with chart-topping pop group Westlife contributing to the memorable send-off.
An unforgettable night for Irish sport
The event drew a significant crowd, with approximately 80% of attendees at Croke Park having never previously been to a boxing event. They gathered to honour Taylor, who is credited with elevating women’s sport and inspiring a nation. The attendance was noted as the sixth-largest post-war crowd for a boxing event globally. The stands were adorned with green and white, and tricolours were widely displayed.
Musical performances by Westlife, including ‘World of Our Own’ and ‘You Raise Me Up’, saw tens of thousands participate, with phone lights illuminating the stadium tiers. The mood shifted for an a cappella rendition of ‘Grace’, an Irish ballad associated with the 1916 Easter Rising, before the national anthem resonated through the venue. Chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole” preceded Taylor’s entrance to ‘All Hail King Jesus’, reflecting her openly discussed faith.
Taylor embraced the moment during her final walk to the ring, displaying both emotion and her characteristic focus as fireworks lit up the Dublin sky. Despite having performed on major boxing stages, including selling out Madison Square Garden, the reception at Croke Park was uniquely impactful. Taylor, who turned professional in 2016, quickly established her dominance after a quiet opening round, delivering quick combinations and maintaining distance.
Pili, 29, arrived with an unbeaten record of 12 contests and had previously held the European title. However, she had not encountered an opponent of Taylor’s calibre, and the difference in skill became evident. The celebratory atmosphere continued between rounds, with little indication of a potential upset. Notable figures like former world champion Prince Naseem Hamed and UFC star Paddy Pimblett were among those watching from ringside.
Pili experienced a brief period of success in the seventh round with a quick flurry, but it did not alter the fight’s trajectory. Croke Park rose for the final two minutes as Taylor pressed forward, her punches met with roaring support from the stands. Following the fight, she embraced her mother, trainer, and manager in the ring as ‘Celebration’ played, before the official result was announced. Taylor took a moment to absorb the reception, stating, “Let me just look around for a second.”
A lasting legacy and community impact
Taylor has consistently stated that Croke Park would mark the end of her career. Her only professional defeat occurred against Chantelle Cameron. Six months later, Taylor avenged this loss at the 3Arena, becoming undisputed champion in a second weight division. After the final bell, she expressed gratitude to her family, holding back tears as she addressed the crowd. She acknowledged the unique support, saying, “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 further defined by her trilogy victories against Amanda Serrano, and she departs with numerous accolades. Her influence extends beyond statistics, rooted in her journey from a young girl who boxed disguised as a boy when girls were not permitted to participate. She played a crucial role in getting the sport sanctioned in Ireland and included in the Olympics, subsequently achieving success in both amateur and professional boxing.
In her hometown of Bray, County Wicklow, excitement was palpable leading up to the bout. Trevor McMahon, Taylor’s brother-in-law and founder of a gym where she trains, described the event as “the end of an era.” He noted that Taylor’s achievements might be unparalleled. The fight’s tickets sold out in just 17 minutes. The national broadcaster, RTÉ, provided free-to-air coverage, ensuring widespread access to Taylor’s final showdown.
Local residents expressed immense pride. David Finnegan, a vendor in Bray, noted strong sales of Taylor merchandise, reflecting the community’s desire to be part of her farewell. Catherine Hill, who secured a ticket, highlighted Taylor’s impact, stating, “Every young girl now wants to be a boxer or an athlete. It wasn’t like that before.” The last boxing match held at Croke Park was in 1972, featuring Muhammad Ali against Alvin Lewis.
Taylor’s father, Pete, encouraged and trained her from a young age in a basic gym. She and her father were instrumental in persuading Irish authorities to lift the ban on women in the ring in 2001, when she was 15, and in advocating for women’s boxing to be added to the Olympic Games. Taylor won a gold medal at London 2012. Laney O’Connell, who grew up in Taylor’s estate, remarked on her normal demeanour and her role in inspiring girls to be active. Anne-Marie McHugh from Bray hoped Taylor would enjoy a restful post-boxing life, stating, “She’s earned it.”
Source: bbc.co.uk