Boxing returns to Croke Park: Maguire recalls last bout before Taylor's headline

Katie Taylor is set to headline a boxing event at Croke Park, the first since Muhammad Ali fought there in 1972. Paddy Maguire, the last boxer to win at the venue, shares his memories of that night. The article reflects on the historic significance of the upcoming fight.
The upcoming card at Croke Park marks a notable return for professional boxing to the Dublin venue, ending a five-decade absence since Muhammad Ali competed there in 1972. Katie Taylor's headline appearance now carries that historical weight into the present moment.
Paddy Maguire, who holds the distinction of being the last boxer to win at Croke Park, offers personal recollections of that evening. His memories connect the Ali era directly to Taylor's headline bout, bridging two generations of Irish boxing history at a venue better known for Gaelic games.
This event could rekindle broader public interest in combat sports across Ireland, particularly among younger audiences unfamiliar with the venue's boxing past. The historic setting may also elevate attention on women's boxing, given Taylor's