Louise Creaven: “It would mean absolutely everything to be on that Katie Taylor card at Croke Park.”

Louise Creaven: “It would mean absolutely everything to be on that Katie Taylor card at Croke Park.”

Louise Creaven turned professional in 2024 and has made a solid start in the pro ranks. A debut victory over
Usanakorn Thawilsuhannawang was followed by two more wins before an early setback last year. The still-unbeaten Sheilla Yama outpointed Creaven over six rounds. But Creaven rebounded with two more wins before suffering her second defeat in her last fight at the hands of Jessica Messina in April. Despite a couple of reversals on her resume, the welterweight hopeful is happy with her progress so far.

“I’m seven fights into my professional career now and, considering the quality of opposition I’ve faced, I’m really happy with how it’s progressing,” Creaven told FightPost. “Every fight has challenged me in a different way and helped me grow as a fighter. I still feel like I’m only scratching the surface of what I’m capable of, and that’s exciting because I know the best is still to come.”

Creaven lost on points over eight rounds to Messina in a fight that had the vacant Australian super-lightweight title on the line. But the 31-year-old is anything but downhearted. “Of course, I was disappointed not to get the win,” Creaven says of her last fight. “But when I look back on it, I believe it was the best performance of my career so far. Not just physically, but mentally as well. I stayed composed, dug deep when things got tough, and fought right until the final bell. I left everything I had in that ring, and that’s something I can be proud of.”

“I learned that I belong at that level,” Creaven added. “The fight showed me that I’m capable of performing under pressure and that my mindset has come a long way. It also highlighted areas I can continue to improve. Which is exciting because I know there’s still so much more growth ahead of me.”

There has been a lot of talk surrounding Creaven possibly fighting at Croke Park in September on the Katie Taylor farewell card. The unveiled Christina Desmond has been mooted as the possible opponent.

“Yes, both teams are working hard behind the scenes to make it happen,” Creaven confirmed. “We both deserve the opportunity, and we’re doing everything we can to get it over the line. If it happens, I genuinely believe we’ll put on an exciting fight for the fans, and it would be a great addition to an historic event.”

“It would mean absolutely everything to be on that Katie Taylor card at Croke Park,” Creaven added. “Not just for me, but for my family, my team, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. To fight at Croke Park, as an Irish fighter, on a card of that magnitude would be incredibly special. It would be a chance to showcase all the years of hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and dedication that happen long before anyone sees you step into the ring.

Desmond is a former elite-level amateur, and after turning professional in 2025, is now unbeaten in five fights. Creaven has a lot of respect for her potential next opponent. “Christina had a very successful amateur career and has made a solid start to her professional journey. She’s clearly a talented fighter. I respect what she’s achieved so far, but I believe we bring different styles and different experiences into the ring. One thing I know for certain is that I’ll bring pressure, intensity, and a willingness to fight every second of every round.”

Katie Taylor will close out her truly trailblazing career with the opportunity to become a three-time undisputed champion. Taylor will fight Flora Pili with all the world super-lightweight titles on the line. The importance of Taylor to the female side of the sport isn’t lost on Creaven. “It’s impossible to overstate the impact Katie Taylor has had on women’s boxing. She’s changed the sport forever and opened doors for so many women who have come after her. What she’s achieved, and what this event at Croke Park represents, will be talked about for generations. For me, personally, she’s always been an inspiration. She’s shown what can be achieved through hard work, professionalism, and never giving up on your dreams.”

Louise Creaven has her own dreams to chase. Like many, she wants to land the golden ticket. The farewell fight for a fighter who has inspired her own journey. Creaven wants to share that night. A fight between Christina Desmond and Louise Creaven wouldn’t look out of place on a special night for Irish boxing.