Dublin, Ireland – Heavyweight contenders Dave Allen and Thomas Carty are poised to ignite Croke Park on Saturday, September 5, 2026, serving as the chief support for Katie Taylor’s momentous farewell professional bout.
The highly anticipated clash between Allen and Carty will precede Taylor’s main event against France’s Flora Pili, as the Irish icon seeks to become a three-time Undisputed World Champion in front of over 80,000 fans.
Dave Allen Thomas Carty’s heavyweight showdown
This historic night marks Taylor’s long-held ambition to headline at Ireland’s most iconic venue. It’s the first professional boxing event at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali faced Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis in 1972, adding another layer of significance to the stacked fight card. The co-main event offers a compelling heavyweight narrative as Allen and Carty look to make a statement on boxing’s grandest stage.
The chief support bout sees Doncaster’s Dave Allen, with a professional record of 27 wins, 9 losses, 2 draws, and 20 knockouts, take on Dublin’s Thomas Carty, who holds an impressive 11 wins, 1 loss, and 9 knockouts. Both fighters have a chance to significantly elevate their profiles by delivering a memorable performance ahead of the main event.
Their heavyweight contest is scheduled just before Katie Taylor steps into the ring, commanding the attention of tens of thousands in attendance and a global DAZN audience. The fight carries considerable stakes for both men as they aim to climb the notoriously competitive heavyweight ranks. It’s an opportunity to steal the show on what is already set to be an unforgettable night.
Dave Allen’s Confident Prediction Against Carty
Known for his candid style, Dave Allen hasn’t held back in his assessment of Thomas Carty, despite acknowledging his opponent’s qualities. “He’s a good fighter… But if you’re not a very good fighter, I’ll f—ing flatten you. I always have,” Allen declared, setting a combative tone for the encounter.
He’s confident in his power, stating he has “flattened all of them” he’s faced at a certain level.
Allen doubled down on his aggressive prediction for Saturday’s fight. “Because you are a proper and solid bloke. I like you. But I’ll flatten him (Carty) one hundred percent. I don’t have a doubt,” he asserted. Such bold claims often fuel intense matchups, promising fireworks in the ring.
Thomas Carty Responds to Allen’s Threats
While Dave Allen has been vocal, Thomas Carty is expected to provide a strong response in the ring. The Irish heavyweight will undoubtedly be buoyed by the home crowd at Croke Park. This bout represents a significant step up and a prime opportunity for Carty to prove his mettle against a seasoned veteran.
The pressure is on Carty to deliver a performance that not only counters Allen’s physical threat but also his psychological warfare. With his impressive knockout ratio, Carty will be looking to add Allen to his list of stoppages and solidify his standing in the division. For more on fighters preparing for big nights, read about Dave Allen’s previous predictions.
Katie Taylor’s Historic Croke Park Farewell
The evening’s main event is a culmination of a dream for Katie Taylor, who faces the undefeated Flora Pili for the Undisputed Super-Lightweight Championship. Taylor, with a professional record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 6 KOs, aims to cap off an extraordinary career by headlining at Croke Park.
Pili enters the bout with an unblemished 12-0 record, presenting a formidable challenge to the Irish legend.
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, has described the event as “the most iconic night, I believe, in the history of sport in this country.” The atmosphere promises to be electric, with over 80,000 fans expected to fill the stadium, creating a deafening roar for their national hero. Fans eagerly anticipate the final preparations of Katie Taylor and Flora Pili.
Taylor’s Legacy and Inspiration
For Katie Taylor, fighting at Croke Park represents the pinnacle of her career. “I’ve been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake,” Taylor said, reflecting on the magnitude of the moment. She hopes the event will inspire future generations.
“This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best moment of my career,” Taylor added. “This is, I think, the cathedral of Irish sport, and I can’t believe we actually got it over the line.” Her opponent, Flora Pili, acknowledged the challenge: “Facing a legend like her represents the biggest opportunity of my career.”
Full Undercard and Fan Experience Details
The Croke Park event boasts a comprehensive undercard, with fights kicking off from 5:00 PM local time. Spectators will witness a range of exciting matchups across various weight classes, ensuring a full evening of boxing action. Ticket prices start from €38.70, with family packages available at €125.50 in non-alcohol seating areas.
The full fight card features several notable clashes. Paddy Donovan faces Tyrone McKenna in a welterweight bout, while Taylor Bevan takes on Emmet Brennan at super middleweight. Other fights include Joe McGrail vs. Matthew Boreland, Molly McCann vs. Sylwia Doligala, Paul Ryan vs. Paddy Gallagher, Adam Olaniyan vs. Matej Hudak, and Bobbi Flood vs.
Jack Swallow. Boxing fans can catch all the action live on DAZN, with subscriptions costing £15.99 monthly or £119.99 annually.
What This Night Means for Irish Boxing
This event transcends a single fight card; it signifies a monumental moment for Irish boxing and sports as a whole. Securing Croke Park for Katie Taylor’s farewell is a testament to her enduring appeal and influence. It brings world-class professional boxing back to a venue steeped in sporting history, rekindling memories of legends past.
The sheer scale of the event, with an expected attendance of over 80,000, highlights boxing’s continued ability to draw massive crowds and capture national attention. Beyond the main event, the presence of promising Irish talent like Thomas Carty and Paddy Donovan on such a grand stage offers crucial exposure.
It provides a significant boost for the sport’s profile across the island, potentially inspiring a new wave of boxing enthusiasts and participants. For context on high-stakes fights, one can look at how previous outcomes affect fighters.
