DUBLIN, Ireland: Katie Taylor’s retirement celebrations began after the Irish boxer defeated France’s Flora Pili by unanimous decision in her final professional fight at Croke Park.
Taylor controlled the 10-round bout, with two judges scoring it 100-90 and the third 98-91. The victory ended Pili’s unbeaten run.
The 40-year-old added the vacant World Boxing Council title to her World Boxing Organisation, World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation belts. She therefore ended her career as a three-time undisputed world champion.
About 83,000 spectators attended the farewell fight at Croke Park, the Dublin stadium Taylor has described as the “Cathedral of Irish sport.”
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Taylor thanked the crowd after the final bell and recalled the support she received throughout her 2012 Olympic gold-medal campaign and into her professional career.
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She praised Pili as a difficult opponent before completing a traditional retirement gesture. After the post-fight ceremonies and family tributes, Taylor placed her gloves in the centre of the ring.
