Katie Taylor is feeling growing excitement as her long-held dream of fighting at Croke Park edges closer to reality, though she has made clear that her career could end if the bout does not materialise.
Her promoter Eddie Hearn and manager Brian Peters met with Croke Park officials earlier this month in a very positive discussion aimed at securing a farewell fight at Ireland’s biggest stadium.
The venue has been a major aspiration for Taylor throughout her career, during which she has won world titles in two weight divisions and broken significant barriers in women’s boxing.
She had already committed earlier this year to fighting in Dublin for what would be the final bout of her professional career. For the veteran boxer, it is now Croke Park or nothing.
Taylor said the recent meeting between her team and the stadium went extremely well, leaving her very hopeful. She remains in the gym and is not far from being fight-ready, waiting only for confirmation and a date to lock in her full focus.
She has twice fought at the 3 Arena in Dublin before, but views Croke Park as the perfect and only fitting place to end her journey.
Speaking at the launch of Fizzique — a new high-fibre soda drink co-created with Irish wellness brand SiSú and infused with magnesium and vitamin D — Taylor explained that seeing 80,000 fans waving tricolours at Croke Park for her farewell would be an unforgettable highlight. Anything less would be hugely disappointing.
She added that her most recent fight against Amanda Serrano already brought a strong sense of closure and fulfilment. For the first time, she did not immediately begin thinking about the next challenge. The morning after that bout, she sat with her family at breakfast and they reflected emotionally on their shared journey, hoping for one final night together at Croke Park as a family and as a nation.
A September date has been suggested for the event. With Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua now ruled out for Dublin, Taylor would have the chance to headline the card, supported by a strong undercard of Irish fighters.
No opponent has been confirmed, but Taylor has said she is willing to face anyone, including former opponents such as Chantelle Cameron or Holly Holm. She has never shied away from tough challenges throughout her career and still possesses the drive for one last big fight.
Fighting at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and London’s Excel Arena has been special, but she believes a Croke Park farewell would top them all.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
