Katie Taylor, as she has almost every time she stepped into the ring, is walking out with her hand raised and her head held high.
The Irish boxing legend competed in her final bout Saturday at a sold-out Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, where she won a one-sided decision over the previously undefeated Flora Pili (12-1). Pili was a game opponent, but failed to initiate much sustained offense over 10 rounds as she was outworked by the speedier, more technical Taylor.
In the end, the cards for Taylor’s retirement fight saw her earn a unanimous decision nod via scores of 100-90 (x2) and 98-91.
Taylor (26-1) was in cruise control for much of the early rounds, showing off the hand speed and footwork that made her one of the most decorated champions of her generation. Pili looked to advance, but had trouble making it past Taylor’s jab and subsequent combinations.
As the bout progressed, Pili threw caution to the wind, creating several clashes, though Taylor looked more than comfortable trading freely with her younger opponent. Even when Pili managed to cut off the ring, Taylor was able to clinch or punch her way out of danger.
The end of the bout ended with an entertaining flurry, as Taylor and Pili made sure that the 40-year-old Taylor left nothing in the ring.
Afterwards, Taylor spoke about how incredible it was to bring boxing back to Croke Park, and thanked everyone from the fans to friends and family to her coaches as the crowd ate up every word.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn called Taylor “the greatest Irish sportsperson of all time,” then handed her her gloves for one final walk around the ring. As Taylor departed, her gloves were laid down in the center of the ring along with her championship belts.
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