Katie Taylor, the Irish boxing great, has officially retired from the sport following her victory over Flora Pili at Croke Park. The win saw Taylor become the undisputed light-welterweight champion, concluding her professional career with a record of 26 wins from 27 contests.
The 40-year-old also holds an Olympic gold medal and three undisputed title triumphs across two divisions. Her final fight in Dublin unfolded before more than 80,000 fans, a setting Taylor had reportedly long dreamed of for her career's final chapter.
Tributes have poured in from across the boxing world. Unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois called Taylor "one of the best to ever do it," while Claressa Shields stated Taylor deserved to "ride off into the sunset." Super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner described her as "a trailblazer who helped set the stage for all of us."
Former world champion Carl Frampton noted Taylor's unique relationship with the Irish public, and former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew described her exit as one of the most remarkable the sport has witnessed, with Taylor retiring as an undisputed champion on her own terms.