Katie Taylor delivers emotional message after dream Croke Park farewell

Katie Taylor declared “we did it” after bringing boxing back to Croke Park and ending her extraordinary career with a commanding victory over Flora Pili.

The Irish icon bowed out in front of 82,000 supporters in Dublin, successfully defending her unified super-lightweight world titles with a unanimous points triumph.

Two judges scored the contest 100-90 in Taylor’s favour, while the third returned a card of 98-91 as the 40-year-old completed her final assignment in dominant fashion.

But Taylor’s emotional words afterwards revealed this occasion was about far more than belts or scorecards.

“We did it. We brought boxing back to Croke Park,” she said.

“You were with me in London 2012, you were with me with the heartbreak of Rio. You stayed with me when I turned pro.

“I don’t know any other country that would sell 80,000 tickets. Ireland is the only country.”

Taylor had spent years dreaming of fighting at Ireland’s famous national stadium, where no boxer had competed since Muhammad Ali defeated Alvin Lewis in 1972.

That ambition was finally realised in spectacular fashion.

Fireworks lit up the Dublin sky during her entrance, with long-time trainer Ross Enamait, manager Brian Peters and promoter Eddie Hearn accompanying her towards the ring.

Westlife had earlier performed two songs for the capacity crowd before Taylor took centre stage for the last time.

Determined to savour every second, the Olympic champion began aggressively and immediately established control with her familiar movement and sharp jab.

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Two left hooks landed during the second round, drawing an enormous response from the stands despite Pili partially blocking both punches.

The previously undefeated French challenger enjoyed her first meaningful success in the third, forcing Taylor to hold after unloading a series of shots.

Yet Taylor quickly settled again, switching to the back foot and using her superior timing to frustrate an opponent 11 years her junior.

Rapid right hands and counter left hooks repeatedly caught Pili as she attempted to close the distance. A crisp four-punch combination in the sixth briefly staggered the 29-year-old.

Pili responded impressively in round seven, knocking Taylor’s head back with several short right hands, but the home favourite refused to surrender control.

Taylor dictated the eighth before producing another dominant display in the ninth, repeatedly finding a home for her left hook.

Before the tenth and final round of her professional career, she drew a deep breath and lifted both arms as Croke Park erupted.

Taylor chased a farewell knockout when the final clacker sounded, but the stoppage did not arrive.

Joined by her mother Bridget during the celebrations, the 40-year-old delivered one final tribute.

“There’s nothing like an Irish mammy,” she said.