Ireland's legendary boxer Katie Taylor concluded her illustrious professional career on Saturday, September 5, 2026, by defeating France's Flora Pili in Dublin to become the undisputed super-lightweight champion for a third time.

Taylor, 40, fought in front of an electrifying crowd of 80,000 at Croke Park, a venue steeped in Irish sporting history. Her victory capped a career that not only saw her dominate the sport but also significantly pave the way for women's boxing in Ireland and globally.

The Dublin native added the vacant WBC title to her WBA, IBF, and WBO super-lightweight belts with a unanimous decision win. Taylor controlled much of the bout with her superior movement and timing, though the previously unbeaten Pili mounted a strong challenge in the seventh round, marking Taylor's most difficult moment in the fight before the Irish champion reasserted her dominance.

Taylor's retirement marks the end of an era for women's boxing. Her journey began at a time when female participation in amateur boxing in Ireland was restricted, often requiring her to compete under the ambiguous name "K Taylor." Her professional career concludes with an impressive record of 26 wins and just one defeat, having held world titles in two weight classes.

The event at Croke Park also marked a significant return of top-level boxing to the historic stadium, which last hosted a major bout when Muhammad Ali fought Al "Blue" Lewis in 1972. The atmosphere was described as deafening, with fireworks, light shows, and continuous chants of "Katie, Katie, Katie!" echoing through the stadium.

After the fight, Taylor expressed gratitude to her family, particularly her father, who taught her the fundamentals of boxing. The emotional embrace with her tearful mother underscored the personal significance of her final performance.

Taylor's career trajectory includes an Olympic lightweight gold medal at the London 2012 Games, the same year women's boxing debuted at the Olympics. She turned professional four years later, embarking on a path that led to multiple world championship reigns and undisputed status.

Her final fight not only celebrated her personal achievements but also highlighted the growing popularity and mainstream acceptance of women's boxing, drawing a massive crowd and significant attention to the sport.