Taylor focuses on unbeaten Pili ahead of Croke Park farewell
Katie Taylor says she is treating Saturday's bout against Flora Pili as a serious challenge, not a celebration, as she aims to reclaim the undisputed light-welterweight title. The 40-year-old Irish fighter, with a 25-1 record, faces the undefeated French champion in front of 80,000 fans at Croke Park. Taylor emphasized that her full attention is on the fight, calling Pili a live opponent who will not make it easy.
Taylor's only professional defeat came against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin in 2023, a loss she avenged in their rematch to become undisputed champion in a second weight class. Her most celebrated victories include wins over Amanda Serrano and a 2020 rematch with Delfine Persoon, which followed a razor-thin first meeting in New York. The bout marks the first boxing event at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali headlined there over five decades ago.
Pili, at 29, arrives with a perfect 12-0 record and holds both the European and IBO titles. She has embraced the underdog role, noting the entire nation of France supports her and that she carries no pressure into the contest. Promoter Eddie Hearn has acknowledged the danger, pointing to Taylor's age and Pili's willingness to trade punches as factors that could make this a competitive ten-round fight.
This fight could significantly shape perceptions of women's boxing in Ireland and beyond, as an 80,000-strong crowd at a historic venue signals the sport's mainstream legitimacy. Taylor's potential farewell victory may inspire a new generation of female athletes, while a Pili upset could accelerate a changing of the guard in the division. The outcome may also influence how aging champions are viewed, demonstrating that experience and elite pedigree can still counter youth and momentum.