Katie Taylor Reflects on Her Boxing Career With Gratitude

BoxingSeptember 18, 2026

Katie Taylor reached the closing chapter of her professional boxing career on Saturday in Ireland, bringing a remarkable run to its planned farewell at Croke Park. Before the bout, Taylor spoke with Matchroom Boxing about what the final occasion meant to her and reflected on the career that brought her to that moment.

Taylor made it clear that the end of her career did not bring sadness. Instead, she expected the occasion to carry a strong sense of happiness and appreciation.

“People have asked me about my last fight, is it going to be a sad moment for me?” Taylor said. “It’s not going to be a sad moment at all. It’s actually going to be a moment of joy, just looking back at my whole career.”

She also described the emotions surrounding her farewell as deeply positive, saying, “I have a heart full of gratitude.” Fighting at Croke Park added another personal layer to the occasion, as Taylor called it her “dream venue” and said having the final fight at home felt like “the stuff of dreams.”

Respect for Flora Pili

Instagram | @katie_t86 | Katie Taylor won her final professional fight, defeating France’s Flora Pili by unanimous decision.

Despite the significance of the farewell, Taylor did not lose sight of the opponent standing across the ring. Flora Pili entered the fight with the chance to disrupt the occasion and make Taylor’s final appearance far less predictable.

Taylor acknowledged that challenge directly, saying, “It’s a great opportunity for her, isn’t it? She’s coming to spoil the day.”

That perspective showed Taylor’s focus remained on competition, even during an emotional career milestone.

Taylor has earned widespread recognition throughout her career, but she avoided declaring herself the greatest female boxer of all time. She believes that judgment belongs to others.

“I think that’s for other people to say,” Taylor explained. She pointed to her willingness to face strong opposition and pursue demanding fights throughout her career.

“I’ve never ever ducked any opponents throughout my whole career,” she said. Taylor added, “I’ve tried to fight the best. I’ve tried to put on some amazing performances.”

Saturday’s final fight marked the end of a career Taylor approached with pride, gratitude, and a clear commitment to facing the best available competition. Her farewell at Croke Park gave the occasion a distinctly Irish setting and allowed Taylor to close this chapter on her own terms.