Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor and her undefeated French challenger Flora Pili completed their final public workouts today in Dublin, signaling the immediate countdown to their undisputed super lightweight championship bout.
The highly anticipated fight is set for this Saturday, September 5th, at the historic Croke Park, marking a momentous occasion for Irish boxing and Taylor’s storied career.
Katie Taylor Flora Pili Dublin workouts
Fans gathered at The Helix, Mason Hall at DCU, for Taylor’s final public session, a display that stirred significant emotion among attendees.
A young schoolgirl was even invited into the ring, donning gloves and throwing punches at Taylor’s wrapped hands, an interaction that left many in tears, highlighting the deep connection between the fighter and her home crowd.
Flora Pili also showcased her readiness, demonstrating sharp form as she finalized her preparations for the biggest fight of her career. Both fighters appeared focused and determined, ready for the challenge ahead.
Katie Taylor’s Enduring Legacy
Katie Taylor, 40, enters this fight with a professional record of 25 wins and only one loss, alongside six knockouts. Her career has been nothing short of transformative for women’s boxing.
An Olympic gold medalist from the 2012 London Games, Taylor also boasts five World Championships and six European Championships in her amateur days. She was instrumental in women’s boxing achieving Olympic sport status.
Since turning professional in November 2016, Taylor quickly rose to prominence, becoming the undisputed lightweight champion in 2019 after defeating Delfine Persoon. Her only professional setback came in May 2023 against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin, where she stepped up to super-lightweight.
Taylor avenged that loss just months later in November 2023, securing a majority decision victory (98-92, 96-94, 95-95) to claim the undisputed super-lightweight championship. She has held undisputed titles in two weight divisions during the four-belt era.
This remarkable career includes a 3-0 record against Amanda Serrano, notably headlining Madison Square Garden in April 2022 in a groundbreaking women’s bout. Her trainer, Ross Enamait, has guided her through much of her professional journey.
Her upcoming contest against Flora Pili is expected to be a career-defining moment, potentially concluding her time in the ring. The stakes are incredibly high, as Taylor looks to cement her status further at home.
Flora Pili: The Undefeated Challenger
Flora Pili, 29, brings an unblemished professional record of 12 wins, no losses, and two knockouts to Dublin. Hailing from Saint-Avold, Moselle, France, Pili is a formidable opponent.
Her amateur career saw her win the French Youth Championships in 2015 and the French Senior Championships in 2019. She even competed in an international tournament held in Dublin in 2017, giving her some familiarity with the city.
Pili made her professional debut in November 2019, quickly ascending through the ranks. She became the French super-lightweight champion in 2022 and later captured the European super-lightweight title in May 2023, which she successfully defended later that year.
Her championship pedigree expanded in 2024 with a WBO International super-lightweight title win, defended once in 2025. Most recently, she claimed the IBO super-lightweight title in December 2025 by defeating Jelena Janicijevic.
Currently, Pili holds impressive rankings, sitting at WBC #2, WBA #5, IBF #1, and WBO #2 in the super-lightweight division. She is the mandatory challenger for Taylor’s IBF super-lightweight belt, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup.
Trained by her father, Pietro Pili, and managed by Italian promoter Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82, Pili represents a serious threat to Taylor’s reign. She aims to cap her undefeated run by dethroning the Irish legend on her home turf.
Croke Park’s Return to Boxing Greatness
The choice of Croke Park as the venue for this undisputed championship clash adds immense historical weight to the event. It marks the first professional boxing match at the iconic Dublin stadium since July 1972.
That legendary night saw Muhammad Ali step into the ring against Al “Blue” Lewis, cementing Croke Park’s place in boxing lore. Fifty-four years later, Taylor and Pili will reignite that tradition.
The scale of Croke Park, a venue synonymous with Irish sporting heritage, elevates this fight beyond a mere title defense. It’s a national event, drawing a massive audience and immense media scrutiny.
The atmosphere promises to be electric, fueled by Taylor’s immense popularity and the historic nature of the card. It’s a fitting stage for what could be the final act of one of boxing’s greatest careers.
Undisputed Stakes and Career Trajectories
For Katie Taylor, this fight is about solidifying an already unparalleled legacy. Holding undisputed titles in two weight classes, a victory would underscore her dominance and status as an all-time great.
It’s widely considered to be her career finale, an emotional farewell in front of her adoring Irish fans. Such a grand exit would be a fairytale ending for the Bray native, capping off years of dedication and groundbreaking achievements.
However, Flora Pili stands in the way of that perfect narrative. As an undefeated champion, she has her own legacy to build. A win over Katie Taylor in Dublin would catapult Pili to superstardom and establish her as the new queen of the super-lightweight division.
The clash presents a classic narrative: the established legend defending her throne against a hungry, undefeated challenger. The outcome will have profound implications for both fighters’ places in boxing history.
The fight also underscores the continued growth and visibility of women’s boxing, a movement Katie Taylor has spearheaded. High-profile events like this at major stadiums further validate the sport’s mainstream appeal.
The Path Ahead for Women’s Boxing
Regardless of the outcome at Croke Park, this event sets a high bar for future women’s boxing matches. The sell-out crowd and global attention signify a thriving market for elite female athletes.
Fighters like Taylor have paved the way for others, creating a landscape where major stadium shows are now possible. This will inspire the next generation of boxers, both male and female, to pursue greatness.
The success of this event could encourage promoters to stage more large-scale women’s fights, attracting new fans and investment. This continuous expansion is vital for the sport’s long-term health.
Furthermore, the focus on undisputed championships highlights the importance of unified titles in boxing. It provides clear benchmarks for greatness and helps define top contenders in various weight classes.
Ultimately, Saturday night isn’t just about two fighters; it’s about the trajectory of women’s boxing and its place on the global sporting stage. The world will be watching Croke Park to see history unfold.
