Katie Taylor will bid to end her professional boxing career as a three-time two-weight undisputed world champion when she faces France’s Flora Pili at Croke Park in Dublin on September 5.
The bout was confirmed on Friday and will see Taylor defend her IBF, WBA and WBO light-welterweight titles while also challenging for the vacant WBC belt. Victory would make the Irish star the undisputed champion at 140-pounds once again in what is expected to be the final fight of her professional career.
“This seems like the perfect way to end it – by becoming Undisputed Champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts,” said Taylor in a statement. “I’m so grateful that it’s happening and I can’t thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years.”
Taylor, 39, acknowledged the challenge posed by the undefeated French contender. “I’m under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge, she’s undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree so I have the utmost respect for her,” said Taylor. Pili also welcomed the opportunity, saying: “Katie Taylor is one of the greatest champions in the history of women’s boxing, and I have tremendous respect for everything she has achieved. Facing a legend like her represents the biggest opportunity of my career.”
The fight was ordered after the WBC directed Taylor to face Pili for the vacant title. Former champion Sandy Ryan was designated ‘Champion in recess’ due to pregnancy, leaving the belt available. Pili, who holds a 12-fight unbeaten professional record, is the WBC’s top-ranked contender and mandatory challenger for Taylor’s IBF title.
Taylor’s appearance at Croke Park will mark a historic occasion, with the venue hosting its first professional boxing event since Muhammad Ali defeated Al ‘Blue’ Lewis there in 1972. The Bray native enters the contest with a professional record of 25 wins and one defeat, having also claimed Olympic gold at London 2012 and five world championship titles during her amateur career.
“This is an incredibly proud moment for Matchroom,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Getting here to Croke Park has been years in the making. But we were never giving up on delivering this dream.” He added: “To end this special journey together by becoming a three-time Undisputed Champion of the World is indeed the perfect farewell to what has been an extraordinary fairytale.”
