Katie Taylor: Croke Park. Finally.

Katie Taylor: Croke Park. Finally.

It has a tagline of ‘It’s Time’; in truth, it should read, ‘About Time.’ Croke Park is finally hers.

Somewhat belatedly, Katie Taylor has finally got her wish. The perfect setting for the final dance. One last showcase for a fighter who is probably the most important fighter on her side of the sport in the modern era. A truly trailblazing career. The importance of Katie Taylor will live long. In truth, her legacy will grow even further once her gloves have finally been cast aside.

It is the perfect farewell for Taylor. A chance to leave the sport on her terms. A chance to leave the sport as an undisputed champion. A chance to leave the sport in front of her adoring faithful.

While the opponent, hasn’t yet been confirmed, it is being reported that Taylor will fight Flora Pili (12-0) for the vacant WBO world super-lightweight title on September 5th at that iconic 82,000-seater national stadium. A press conference has been called for Friday at the fabled Croke Park.

The undefeated French fighter has won the Katie Taylor sweepstake and will be the final opponent the Irish superstar will ever face inside a boxing ring. Pili is unbeaten in twelve fights, but hasn’t boxed anyone anywhere near the level of Taylor. But the 28-year-old has a chance to spoil the party, even though she will likely be a strong betting outsider.

Taylor (25-1) holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF 140-pound baubles. A victory over Pili will complete the set for the second time at super-lightweight.

Taylor has had an almost mythical career. The 2012 Olympic champion. A five-time World amateur champion. A six-time European champion. Taylor turned professional in 2016, and only Chantelle Cameron has beaten her. A defeat that Taylor avenged in an immediate rematch. The 39-year-old has wins over the likes of Jessica McCaskill, Delfine Persoon, Natasha Jonas, and those three wins over Amanda Serrano. Even as her retirement is fast-approaching, Taylor is still more than arguably still the best female fighter on the planet.

The truly astonishing career of Katie Taylor is nearly over. It will be a long goodbye. An emotional one. And as one former opponent of hers told me, it’s no more than she deserves.