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Katie Taylor Retires Undefeated After Croke Park Farewell

BBC Sport •
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Katie Taylor ended her illustrious professional career as a three-time undisputed world champion, capping a storied journey with a stylish victory at Croke Park. The 40-year-old outclassed unbeaten Flora Pili on points, adding the vacant WBC belt to her WBA, WBO, and IBF light-welterweight titles. Taylor retired with a record of 26 wins and one defeat, delivering a final performance defined by her trademark footwork and sharp pressure fighting.

The emotional evening, attended by 80,000 jubilant fans, celebrated Taylor as Ireland's greatest sportsperson. Promoter Eddie Hearn hailed her achievements before she took a final lap of the ring, waving to the crowd and ceremonially placing her gloves and belts in the canvas center. The send-off was steeped in Irish pride, featuring chart-topping performances from Westlife and a moving a cappella rendition of 'Grace'.

Taylor's impact on women's boxing was highlighted throughout the night. She is credited with dragging women's sport from the margins and taking an entire nation on her journey. The crowd, the sixth largest post-war attendance for a boxing event globally, included many first-time attendees honoring a pioneer. Chants of 'Ole, Ole, Ole' and the singing of the national anthem marked a fitting finale for a fighter who transformed the landscape of her sport.