Katie Taylor, one of women's boxing's most decorated athletes, has officially retired from the sport following her victory over Flora Pili at Dublin's Croke Park. The fight marked the culmination of a storied career that saw Taylor achieve multiple world championships and an Olympic gold medal.
Following her final bout, prominent figures in the boxing world paid tribute to Taylor's legacy. Former world champion Barry Jones highlighted the signature rapid combinations that defined many of Taylor's most significant fights, noting that her final 20 seconds in the ring exemplified this.
American boxer Mikaela Mayer, who was present at the event, commented on the poignant image of Taylor placing her gloves in the center of the ring. Mayer described the moment as being "like a story," symbolizing the end of an era.
Taylor had long expressed a desire to conclude her professional boxing journey at Croke Park, a wish that was fulfilled in her final fight. Fellow boxer Tony Bellew suggested that Taylor would not return to the sport, though he envisioned her continuing to contribute by mentoring younger talent. "She will always be there to give her advice, speak to her and help her," Bellew stated. "But ultimately she will sail off into the sunset and who could possibly deserve it more."
The boxing world has widely lauded Taylor as one of the greatest to have ever competed in the sport, celebrating her numerous achievements and her impact on women's boxing.