Katie Taylor said fulfilling a long-held dream of fighting at Croke Park will be the “perfect way” to end her decorated career after it was confirmed she will face Flora Pili at the Dublin venue on 5 September.
Taylor, 39, will bid to become a three-time undisputed champion against unbeaten French fighter Pili.
It will be the first boxing event at the 82,300-capacity Gaelic Games venue since Muhammad Ali’s victory over Al ‘Blue’ Lewis in 1972.
Taylor will defend her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine light-welterweight titles and attempt to add the vacant WBC belt against mandatory challenger Pili, who boasts a 12-0 record.
The Irishwoman has not boxed since completing a clean sweep of the trilogy against Amanda Serrano in New York’s Madison Square Garden last July, which saw her retain her undisputed status.
“This seems like the perfect way to end it [my career] – by becoming undisputed champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts,” said Taylor.
“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 added: “We’ve actually brought boxing back to Croke Park. This has been on my career bucket list, especially the last few months, but this is beyond my wildest dreams.
“This is going to be the most iconic moment of my whole career. To have the chance to fight in a packed-out stadium in Croke Park, our most iconic venue, it’s the cathedral of Irish sport, really.”
Paying tribute to Taylor, Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn said: “Going through her career, from sending a DM saying she wanted to turn pro to those Serrano fights, the Cameron bouts, the journey has been incredible.
“It’ll be the biggest crowd in the history of female sport for an individual athlete, it’ll be one of the greatest sporting moments this country has ever seen. More important than that, it’ll be her moment.”
