Katie Taylor retired from boxing on a comfortable victory on Saturday, as she eased past Flora Pili while realising her dream of fighting at Croke Park.
In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 80,000 in Dublin, the Irish icon secured scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 98-91, handing Pili her first professional defeat. With that, Taylor regained the undisputed super-lightweight titles, making her a three-time undisputed queen – across two weights.
At 40 years old, and having already declared that this would be her final fight, Taylor still looked light on her feet and fast with her offence. Barring a brief rally from Pili, 29, in the later rounds, Taylor always looked comfortable, as she picked up the vacant WBC super-lightweight belt, adding it to her IBF, WBA and WBO titles. She also took the IBO strap from her French opponent.
It was a fitting ending for Taylor, who had to pretend to be a boy when she first boxed, before she went on to play a pivotal role in the introduction of women’s boxing at the Olympics – where she eventually won gold. Re-live the action from Taylor vs Pili below.
Hearn tears up as he hands gloves to Taylor
“There were 83,000 people in here tonight, and there’s still 83,000 people,” says Hearn.
“But right now, I want to do something we haven’t done before, and this is only fitting.
“She made this happen, but along with the team, she made it happen because of every one of you in here tonight – and an entire nation that supported her so proudly.
“At this time, while we still have 83,000 people, and before this curfew ends, I’m gonna let Katie Taylor share this moment alone with all of you.
“I’m gonna give her her gloves. In the tradition of boxing, [she’ll] walk round the ring and place these in the middle of the ring.”
Hearn tears up, his voice is going…
More from Hearn as he pays tribute
“[Katie] is a woman who refused to take ‘no’ for an answer. She worked her whole life and walked with faith, she’s the most inspirational person I’ve ever met. She’s the greatest Irish sportsperson of all time.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn reacts
“We went into this event, and I said… I’m a promoter, right; I said, ‘This will be the greatest atmopshere and occasion that boxing has perhaps ever seen.’
“Well, guess what? Croke park, you did it tonight.”
Taylor’s rare mention of her husband
Of her husband, Taylor says: “I’m actually looking forward to retirement.
“I love you, babe, you’re the best.”
He gives her a kiss.
And finally: “Most importantly, I just wanna give thanks to God for putting this gift in me as a child – giving me the talent, giving me the strength to achieve it.”
Taylor’s moment on the mic
Taylor also thanks her dad and her sisters.
“It’s been such a tough year for the family,” she adds, referencing a death in the family.
I’m not sure exactly who she’s referring, too, I’m afraid; she’s speeding through this bit, but she does say: “She loved fight night, it’s not the same without her.”
Taylor also lost her grandmother recently: “She was one of the greatest people we’ve ever met. I know she’s looking down from on high.”
Taylor pays tribute to her family
“There’s nothing like an Irish mammy,” Taylor says. “You’ve been more than that, you’ve been a source of strength, a source of wisdom.”
Taylor speaks so well, it must be said.
More from Taylor
“She was actually a very awkward opponent. Thank you very much to her for being involved in this night.
“A few thank you’s: a thank you to my team, and Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team.
“It’s crazy to think when there’s money involved, they always have my best interests at heart. They’re more in it for me than them.”
