Katie Taylor retires as undisputed champion after Croke Park victory

Katie Taylor has ended her professional boxing career with a points victory over Flora Pili at Dublin’s Croke Park, becoming undisputed light-welterweight champion in her final contest.

The judges scored the fight 100-90, 100-90 and 98-91 in Taylor’s favour, handing Pili the first defeat of her professional career. Taylor was sharper throughout, repeatedly beating her opponent to the punch before closing with a burst of combinations.

More than 80,000 fans reportedly attended the farewell, with Westlife performing before the main event. Taylor had long wanted to fight at Croke Park and had identified the stadium as the intended setting for the final chapter of her career.

BBC Sport reported that Taylor retires with 26 wins from 27 professional contests, Olympic gold and three undisputed title triumphs across two divisions. She has also been a major figure in the development and visibility of women’s boxing.

Caroline Dubois, Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner were among the fighters to pay tribute. Dubois called Taylor one of the best to have competed, while Shields said she deserved to “ride off into the sunset”. Baumgardner described her as a trailblazer who helped establish opportunities for those who followed.