Katie Taylor has navigated the final week of her professional boxing career with characteristic grace and composure.
The Irish champion has approached each media obligation during fight week with the same poise she has demonstrated throughout her distinguished 26-fight professional career.
Dubiclin played host to Taylor and her opponent Flora Pili as autumn sunshine blessed the city for Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in at Trinity College, ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated undisputed light-welterweight championship bout at Croke Park.
Taylor, who has never missed weight throughout her professional career, was met by adoring supporters, many of whom have followed her journey since her historic Olympic gold medal triumph in 2012.
The official weigh-in results—Taylor and Pili both coming in just under the 10st (63.5kg) limit—were almost secondary to the occasion itself.
All 80,000 tickets for Saturday’s historic clash have long been sold out, and demand for Friday’s ceremonial event proved equally remarkable.
Supporters crowded the grounds of Trinity College, the historic institution founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, eager to witness their sporting queen one final time.
While women were not permitted to study at Trinity College until 1975, Taylor—whose career has broken countless barriers for women in sport—remained the undisputed star attraction.
The college’s renowned old library, home to the illuminated Book of Kells manuscript containing the four Gospels in Latin, typically draws visitors from around the world, but those gathered on Friday were present to witness their own piece of sporting history during this farewell week.
The 40-year-old, two-weight undisputed champion may not be entirely fond of all the fight week obligations, and the process of making weight is certainly an aspect of the sport she will not miss. However, this represented a final opportunity to savour the occasion.
Thousands turned out for Friday’s weigh-in [Getty Images]
Pili has been the ideal opponent throughout the week, complimentary and courteous, but the French boxer is not in Dublin to sightsee. The 29-year-old exuded quiet confidence as she stepped onto the scales.
The undefeated challenger, with a perfect 12-0 record, has an opportunity to elevate her own standing significantly with a victory over the legendary Irish champion.
Facing the biggest night of her career—a chance to propel herself into the upper echelons of the sport—Pili appeared somewhat overwhelmed by the occasion as she completed the formalities.
As violinists performed the traditional Irish air ‘Óró, sé do bheatha ‘bhaile’ (Óró – you are welcome home), Taylor emerged to a thunderous ovation, with both fighters completing the formalities amid smiles and handshakes.
Taylor ready for her ‘dream’ send-off
Katie Taylor is a two-weight world champion [Getty Images]
Throughout her career, Taylor has rarely shown much emotion during fight week, but the past few days have revealed a different side as she approaches the conclusion of her remarkable journey.
The Bray native, accompanied by her mother Bridgit, was visibly emotional at times while delivering her final messages to the assembled crowd.
“I’m so excited. I’ve been saying all week how grateful I am for this opportunity. I’ve been dreaming of this for the last few years and now it’s just one day away—only one day away from ending my career in my dream venue of Croke Park,” Taylor told the gathering following her final face-off with Pili.
“All these amazing people are here today and I’m absolutely blown away. I cannot wait to step into that ring, and I want to deliver a performance worthy of everyone’s incredible support.
“You have carried me through the Rio Olympics, London Olympics and throughout my entire professional career. Thank you.”
Both fighters can now focus their attention entirely on Saturday’s main event.
The anticipation that has built steadily throughout the week will reach its peak when they enter the ring at approximately 22:00 BST on Saturday evening, and while the occasion promises to be truly historic, the destination of the championship belts remains the primary objective.
“My mind is very much focused on the fight,” Taylor emphasised.
“I have a formidable challenger in front of me, but I’ve built my reputation on taking on tough fights—why would I treat my final fight any differently?
“Tomorrow is going to be an incredible celebration. I’m tremendously proud to represent this amazing country. Let’s go one more time.”
