Katie Taylor’s final professional fight will be broadcast live on RTÉ next month, ending a career that made her one of Ireland’s most admired athletes.
The 40-year-old will defend her WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles—and compete for the vacant WBC super lightweight championship—against French boxer Flora Pili at Croke Park on September 5. The event sold out within hours of tickets going on sale in June, with 80,000 fans expected to attend.
RTÉ secures rights to Taylor’s farewell bout
RTÉ will air the fight on RTÉ 2, RTÉ Player, and 2FM, giving the entire country a chance to watch Taylor’s retirement. DAZN will handle the global broadcast outside Ireland.
Declan McBennett, RTÉ’s head of sport, called Taylor one of Ireland’s greatest sporting figures and said the broadcaster was honored to cover both the start and end of her career. “RTÉ was there at the beginning of Katie’s journey as an amateur, and we are delighted to be there for the final chapter,” he said.
The fight marks only Taylor’s third professional bout in Ireland since turning pro in 2016.
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A career built on breaking barriers
Taylor’s success changed women’s boxing in Ireland. After winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics, she became a two-weight world champion and headlined major venues worldwide. In a recent Instagram video, she spoke about the opportunities boxing had given her.
“Look at the life that it has given me and the memories it’s created,” she said. “I wanted to raise the profile of the sport and follow my passion. This is what I was meant to do.”
She also shared her hope to inspire others. “Opening the door for the next generation of female fighters means everything to me,” she said. “I’m just so grateful.”
The last professional boxing match at Croke Park took place in 1972, when Muhammad Ali fought Al “Blue” Lewis in front of 17,000 spectators. Taylor, who once said she would have fought there for free, will now end her career in the same stadium, this time with nearly five times the crowd.
For many fans, the fight represents more than just a title defense. Taylor’s impact went beyond the ring, making women’s boxing mainstream in a sport long dominated by men. Her final bout in Dublin feels like a natural conclusion.
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RTÉ has not yet released full coverage details, but the broadcast will likely include pre-fight analysis and post-bout interviews.
While Pili remains unfamiliar to Irish fans, her presence ensures a competitive final night for Taylor.
Tickets for the event disappeared in under an hour, showing how much Taylor means to her supporters.
Taylor’s retirement leaves a gap in Irish boxing, but her place in history is certain. She didn’t just win championships—she changed how people saw the sport. The crowd at Croke Park next month won’t just watch a fight; they’ll celebrate a legacy.
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