When Katie Taylor steps into the ring at Croke Park in front of 80,000 fans for her world title fight with Flora Pili on Saturday night it will not just represent the fulfilment of a dream for the legendary Irish boxer. For Belfast referee David Irving, who will be the man in the middle for the 27th and final professional bout of Taylor's decorated career, it will also be the realisation of a long-held ambition. Taylor will aim to become a three-time undisputed world champion when she takes on Frenchwoman Flora Pili in Dublin.

The 40-year-old, who has won 25 professional fights and avenged her only defeat against Chantelle Cameron, will defend her light-welterweight WBO, WBA and IBF titles against Pili, who boasts an unbeaten 12-0 record. With the vacant WBC title on the line, the Bray fighter has finally got her dream of boxing in front of a packed crowd at the Dublin venue. But much focus will also centre on Irving, who regards taking charge of the contest as "right up there" with any of his previous assignments during more than 30 years as a referee.

Irving says he will go through a well established routine in his preparations for the big fight. A world title fight you make sure you have your uniform together, your pens, your scorecard, your towel and your water. You make sure you are hydrated because it could be a warm night and the fight could go the whole way, the whole 10 rounds, which can be very tiring.

Irving added that being prepared for all potential scenarios, including those that may not be anticipated, is all part of being fight-ready. It's the unexpected, being a referee. That part of me is always ready to go.

That's where the confidence and the experience I have got now comes in, they have that confidence in me to make it an equal and smooth competition and may the best person win.