Retirement likely for Katie Taylor unless Croke Park farewell confirmed

Katie Taylor, one of the greatest of all fighters, will likely never box again if her desire to say goodbye at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, does not occur.

Her promoter Eddie Hearn, who changed the face of women’s boxing when he signed her on professional terms in 2016, has made no secret of his wish to host that farewell but admitted to BoxingScene that, though “inching closer”, “it’s not done yet”.

Taylor, 39 years old and from Bray, Ireland, boasts a 25-1 (6 KOs) record and is a former two-weight undisputed champion. She still holds the WBA, IBF and WBA titles at junior welterweight but relinquished the WBC crown, citing her personal life when required to make a mandatory defense. In her most recent contest, she secured superiority over Amanda Serrano in July last year.

Taylor has always wanted to fight at Croke Park which can accommodate 80,000 fans. He hopes a date can be secured in August or September.

Matchroom’s Frank Smith, Hearn’s right-hand man, was back in Ireland for further talks last week.

“We’re really moving in the right direction to try and get that done,” said Hearn. “All the pressure’s on from Katie, from the country, and I really want to make it happen because I’d love to be a part of it. I think it’d be unbelievable.”
Taylor has achieved so much in her amateur and professional careers. So much so, Hearn reckoned, that anything less than a grandstand finish in her nation’s stadium would simply mean the end.

“Yes, I think so. I don’t see a fight again if it’s not Croke Park,” Hearn said.

The promoter had previously told Sky Sports that “there’s a load of options” regarding a potential opponent..

“Until we’re locked in [with the event, there will be no news,” he confirmed to BoxingScene. “I mean, we’ve still got 16 weeks, something like that. She’s got about three mandatories, so we’ll have to see.”