Emotional Taylor steps on the scales one final time

Katie Taylor and French challenger Flora Pili stepped on the scales at Trinity College in Dublin, both making weight under the light‑welterweight limit of 10 stone (63.5 kg) ahead of their undisputed title bout at Croke Park on Saturday. The 40‑year‑old Irish champion, who has never missed weight in her 26‑fight professional career, will fight her final professional match in front of a sold‑out crowd of 80,000, marking the close of a two‑decade reign that began with an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Taylor, accompanied by her mother Bridgit, expressed gratitude and excitement, noting that stepping into Croke Park—her “dream venue”—will be the culmination of a career that has seen her become a two‑weight undisputed champion and a trailblazer for women in sport.

The weigh‑in, held in the historic setting of Trinity College—a university founded in 1592 and home to the Book of Kells—drew a packed audience eager to witness the final week of Taylor’s storied career. Fans, many of whom have followed her since her Olympic triumph, filled the campus, underscoring the cultural significance of the event beyond the boxing world. While the exact weights were not disclosed, both fighters were reported to be just under the limit, rendering the announcement almost immaterial. Pili, a 29‑year‑old Frenchwoman with a perfect 12‑win record, approached the occasion with confidence, aware that an upset could catapult her into the sport’s upper echelons. The ceremony featured Irish folk music and a rapturous reception for Taylor, who, despite rarely showing emotion during fight weeks, allowed herself moments of vulnerability, acknowledging the support that has carried her through multiple Olympic Games and her professional journey.

As the final weigh‑in concluded, both athletes turned their focus to the upcoming bout, scheduled to begin around 22:00 BST on Saturday. Taylor reiterated her determination to treat the fight like any other, despite its emotional weight, emphasizing her reputation for taking on tough opponents. The event promises extensive coverage on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and 5 Live, with ringwalks expected between 22:00 and 22:30. The outcome will not only decide the undisputed light‑welterweight champion but also mark the end of an era for Irish sport, as Taylor’s retirement will leave a lasting legacy and open the field for the next generation of fighters.

⚡ Effects Interpreter