Katie Taylor stepped in front of the circle the last time of his historic combat career today (Saturday, September 5, 2026) against the IBF featherweight champion, Flora Piliin front of a sold-out crowd at the famous Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, with over 80,000 screaming fans witnessing history as Taylor attempted to become the three-time undisputed champion.
After a slow start in the first round, Taylor turned up the intensity in the second round, catching Pil with a monstrous combination that drew his attention. Over the next couple of rounds, Taylor pretty much had his way with Pil, who couldn’t get much going. To his credit, Taylor played a smart game and it was obvious he was preparing for a potential 10-round fight.
By the sixth round, Pili was starting to show signs of damage, but that didn’t deter him from staying in the pocket to beat the all-time great blow-for-blow. As the fight, as well as his career, slowed down, Taylor put his foot down and started walking away to the delight of the rabid crowd. In the end, Taylor left no doubt and made easy work of the judges, who awarded him a unanimous decision victory.
Check out some of the action below.
With the win, Taylor also secured the vacant WBC Super Lightweight title to become a three-time undisputed champion and ends his legendary boxing career with a record of 26-1, which includes three wins. Amanda Serrano. His lone defeat came at his hands Chantell Cameron in May 2023, though he avenged that loss six months later.
Taylor is one of the most revered athletes to ever come out of Ireland, so ending his long career at the iconic venue was not only fitting but also emotional for the 40-year-old striker, who not only let it all hang out in the ring, but also in his post-fight farewell speech.
“Croke Park, you stayed with me through the heartbreak of Rio,” he told fans. “You traveled the world to watch me. Croke Park, we did it! We brought boxing back to Croke Park. Thank you so much,” he said before thanking his father. “Thanks for everything dad, I love you.”
Where do you place Taylor – who joins Muhammad Ali another major boxing star to headline a boxing event in Croke Park – among the greatest combatants of all time?