Katie Taylor says she is refusing to allow the occasion of her final professional fight to distract her from the challenge posed by Flora Pili when the pair meet at Croke Park on Saturday night.
The 40-year-old will bring her career to a close in front of around 80,000 fans at the Dublin venue, which has not hosted a boxing event since Muhammad Ali fought there more than 54 years ago. Taylor, 25-1 as a professional, will have the opportunity to become undisputed light-welterweight champion once again when she faces the undefeated Pili.
“I’m trying not to think about it as I have a job to do,” said Taylor at Tuesday’s news conference. “It’s too dangerous a sport to have your body in the ring and your heart out of it, thinking of retirement. I have a job to do, and I’m very much focused on that job. The most important part of Saturday night is I get my hand raised, so it’s business as usual for me.”
Pili arrives in Dublin with a perfect 12-0 professional record and currently holds the European and IBO titles. The 29-year-old French fighter acknowledged her underdog status but said she intends to take advantage of the opportunity presented to her. “I’ve nothing to lose and everything to win,” said Pili. “I’m the underdog, and there is no pressure on me, so I will give everything I can from the first bell and take home all of these belts.”
Taylor has also warned against expecting a straightforward conclusion to her career. “I’ve a live opponent in front of me, so it won’t be a walk in the park,” she said. “She is here to win … a young, undefeated fighter. It will be a tough fight, but that’s when I’m at my best.” Promoter Eddie Hearn echoed that assessment, saying: “She’s got to focus on the fight, because this girl’s decent.”
Saturday’s contest will bring to an end a professional career which began in 2016 and has seen Taylor become undisputed champion in two weight divisions. “I’m going to walk to the ring, focus on the fight, as there will be plenty of time after to reflect on this amazing career, should I get my hand raised,” said Taylor. “I’m not sure how I’m going to feel, but it will be a special night.”
