More than 83,000 fans filled Dublin's historic Croke Park on Saturday to witness Katie Taylor's final professional bout, a unanimous 10-round decision victory over previously unbeaten Frenchwoman Flora Pili. The event marked the first boxing match at the 135-year-old stadium since Muhammad Ali fought Alvin "Blue" Lewis in 1972. Taylor, 40, retired with a 26-1 record, an Olympic gold medal from 2012, and undisputed junior welterweight champion status.

The atmosphere was described as a coronation, with flags and merchandise honoring Taylor visible throughout Dublin's City Centre. The Irish star admitted to severe pre-fight nerves, saying her legs shook and she couldn't sleep during fight week, but called the moment "an absolute privilege." She reflected on her journey from a shy child in coastal Bray who only "came alive" in the ring.

Taylor expressed conviction that Ireland is the only country that could sell 80,000 tickets for a female athlete's farewell. The seven-hour event, themed "Once Upon a Time," featured docile weather at 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Taylor now looks forward to a more spontaneous life after a decade-long professional career that established her as arguably the greatest women's boxer ever.