Irish boxing champion Katie Taylor will fight French boxer Flora Pili in a retirement match on Sept. 5, 2026 [1].
The event marks a historic return of professional boxing to Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Dublin. This bout represents the first boxing event hosted at the venue since July 1972, when Muhammad Ali fought Alvin Lewis [3].
Taylor said the opportunity to compete at the iconic stadium was a bucket-list goal. The venue possesses a capacity of 82,000 seats [2]. Taylor has long dreamed of fighting at the site and intends to end her career with this farewell appearance.
"It’s beyond my wildest dreams," Taylor said [2].
While some reports indicated the fighters were still finalizing the deal, other sources confirmed the match was set on Friday [1]. The bout pits the veteran champion against Pili in what is billed as a swansong for Taylor's career.
Taylor's decision to fight at Croke Park emphasizes the cultural significance of the venue within Ireland. By choosing this location for her final fight, she aligns her sporting legacy with one of the most storied landmarks in Irish history.
“"It’s beyond my wildest dreams."”
The return of boxing to Croke Park after more than five decades signifies a shift in the venue's traditional usage and underscores Taylor's status as a national icon. By securing a match at a site previously occupied by Muhammad Ali, Taylor elevates her retirement from a standard sporting event to a major cultural moment in Irish athletics.
