Katie Taylor brought the curtain down on her storied career with a commanding points victory over previously unbeaten French challenger Flora Pili. The bout, held before a capacity crowd of 80,000 at Croke Park, saw Taylor crowned a three-time undisputed world champion as she added the vacant WBC title to her existing WBO, WBA, and IBF belts.
Taylor utilized superior hand speed and movement to control the contest, never appearing in danger throughout the ten-round fight. In the final moments of her professional journey, the Olympic gold medalist traded blows with Pili against the ropes, signaling the end of a career that began when she was forced to enter bouts as “K Taylor” due to restrictions on female amateur boxers in Ireland.
The event marked a historic return for top-level boxing to Croke Park, which had not hosted a major fight since Muhammad Ali’s victory over Al “Blue” Lewis in 1972. Taylor retires with a professional record of 26 wins and one defeat, having secured world titles at both lightweight and super-lightweight.
Match Statistics and Retirement
- Final Scorecards: 110-90, 110-90, and 98-91 in favor of Taylor
- Career Milestone: Olympic lightweight gold medalist at London 2012
- Retirement Gesture: Placed gloves in the center of the ring following the final bell
Addressing the emotional crowd, Taylor remarked, “Croke Park! We did it. I don’t know of any other country that would sell 80,000 tickets.” She later added that the Irish public provided the perfect conclusion to her career, stating, “The people of Ireland gave me a dream end to a dream career. Nothing can top this.” The report also notes that the country’s great became a three-time undisputed world champion by overwhelming the previously unbeaten Frenchwoman 100-90, 100-90, 98-91 on the scorecards, with the gaze of Ireland upon her.
Important Details
- The report also notes that irish fans dazzled by showcase of skills in huge points win.
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