Katie Taylor ends her career in style as she was the unanimous winner over Flora Pili in front of a packed out Croke Park.
It was an emotional night for everyone as Taylor entered the ring for the last time in her career. And she came out of the blocks firing, dominating the first few rounds with ease, as it looked like Pili was letting the occasion get the better of her.
However, the Frenchwoman fought back in the middle rounds, but the Bray Bomber still looked to be the winning fighter as it entered the closing stages. It was a party atmosphere at Croke Park as the fans willed Taylor on as a strong final two rounds secured the win and a third reign as undisputed champion for the greatest Irish athlete of all time.
Taylor won by unanimous decision, with two judges scoring 100-90, and the other scoring it 98-92 all in Katie Taylor’s favour as she signed off her illustrious career in style.
June 5, 2026: Katie Taylor, promoter Eddie Hearn, and Flora Pili announce the Croke Park fight. (RollingNews.ie)
There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd as Katie Taylor waved farewell to her fans, thanking everyone who helped her along the way, from her coaches, to her parents and her husband, Sean.
Speaking to RTÉ, she said: ‘I’m blown away, I’ve dreamt of this moment for a few years now, and it’s been absolutely remarkable.
‘The whole atmosphere here and looking around the stadium and seeing the 80,000 people screaming my name.
‘This is beyond my wildest dreams. I’m just so grateful, what a way to end this career. A dream ending to a dream career.’
Eddie Hearn called Katie Taylor the ‘Greatest Irish Sportsperson of all time’ as Taylor walked around the ring before leaving her gloves and her belts in the middle of the ring, a traditional and fitting send off for an athlete of Taylor’s pedigree.
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It was a huge night of boxing that got underway in controversial fashion as Paul Ryan was announced the winner of the opening bout after it was initially announced that Paddy Gallagher was the winner due to a mistake. Then normal service resumed as Dubliners Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Flood won their bouts, with Olaniyan knocking out Matej Hudak in the first round and Flood beating Jack Swallow by decision.
It was then the scousers’ turn to show out in Croke Park as Joe McGrail and ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann beat Matthew Boreland and Sylwia Doligala respectively, with McGrail beating Boreland by knockout.
It wasn’t just boxing on show on Jones’ Road, as the Mary Wallopers and Westlife both performed their hits in front of the crowd, as well as Maverick Sabre singing Auld Triangle for McCann’s entrance.
There were some unfortunate scenes as local Olympic hero Emmet Brennan suffered a gruesome knockout defeat in the sixth round against Taylor Bevan, having fought valiantly to get that far. Limerick’s Paddy Donovan scored a good win over Tyrone McKenna after referee stoppage in the fourth round.
'I didn't go to a fancy school, I didn't have much money - but I had a big dream'
Katie Taylor tries to sum things up at Croke Park with @OFlynnPaul
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— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 5, 2026
Then, in a bizarre scenario, after the crowd were brought to a fever pitch with the lively entrances, Thomas Carty’s bout with Dave Allen was over after 90 seconds as the Englishman hit Carty in the back of the head by the ropes, leading to Carty flying out of the ring and sustaining a serious injury and was unable to continue. The fight would be declared a no contest, much to the crowd’s dismay.
However, with Taylor’s win, it was a legendary night of boxing, one that will go down in Irish sporting memory as one of the greatest ever.
There were some unfortunate scenes as local Olympic hero Emmet Brennan suffered a gruesome knockout defeat in the sixth round against Taylor Bevan, having fought valiantly to get that far. Limerick’s Paddy Donovan scored a good win over Tyrone McKenna after referee stoppage in the fourth round.
Then, in a bizarre scenario, after the crowd were brought to a fever pitch with the lively entrances, Thomas Carty’s bout with Dave Allen was over after 90 seconds as the Englishman hit Carty in the back of the head by the ropes, leading to Carty flying out of the ring and sustaining a serious injury and was unable to continue. The fight would be declared a no contest, much to the crowd’s dismay.
However, with Taylor’s win, it was a legendary night of boxing, one that will go down in Irish sporting memory as one of the greatest ever.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie
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