Katie Taylor retires as undisputed champion after farewell victory at Croke Park on September 5

Katie Taylor ended her professional boxing career by defeating Flora Pili on points at Croke Park in Dublin on September 5, retiring as undisputed light-welterweight champion. According to BBC Sport, the scorecards read 100-90, 100-90, and 98-91 in Taylor's favor, closing a 27-fight professional career with 26 wins and an undefeated record against every opponent she has faced as a professional. More than 80,000 fans attended the event at the Dublin stadium, which Taylor had long dreamed of hosting as the final chapter of her career.

Taylor, 40 years old, holds Olympic gold and three undisputed title triumphs across two weight divisions, per BBC Sport. The fight itself saw Taylor sharper throughout, repeatedly beating Pili to the punch. In the final 20 seconds, according to former world champion Barry Jones' commentary, Taylor produced rapid combinations that underscored her ring control.

Reactions from the sport's leading figures arrived quickly. Caroline Dubois, unified lightweight champion, called Taylor "one of the best to ever do it" and wrote on X: "Thank you so much for paving the way. Wishing you happiness, success and joy for this next season." Claressa Shields said Taylor, at 40 years old, deserved to "ride off into the sunset" and posted: "Congrats Katie. Now ride off into the sunset. You deserve it all." Super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner described Taylor as "a trailblazer who helped set the stage for all of us."

Former world champion Carl Frampton said Taylor's relationship with the Irish public was unlike anything else in boxing, stating: "Katie Taylor is different, she's special and there will never be another one like her." Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew called the retirement one of the most remarkable exits the sport had witnessed, telling BBC Sport: "I don't think in all of my years of watching this game, I have seen an exit as beautiful, amazing and fitting. She has just retired as the greatest champion ever. I have never seen a fighter leave as an undisputed champion on their own terms."

American fighter Mikaela Mayer observed Taylor place her gloves in the centre of the ring after the final bell. Bellew indicated there is "no way" Taylor will return to the ring, though he suggested she could remain involved in boxing by mentoring younger fighters.