According to the WBC, Katie Taylor’s next and likely final fight will come against Flora Pili in a battle for that organization’s now vacant junior welterweight title. Being as though Taylor is already recognized as champion by the WBA, IBF and WBO, a scrap with Pili – tentatively set for Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland – would also gain ‘undisputed’ status.
Pili, 12-0 (2 KOs), ticks another box in that she’s in mandatory position with the IBF but she would enter a bout with Taylor as a huge underdog and largely unknown.
The Frenchwoman, 28, won the lightly regarded IBO title in her most recent bout, a 10-round points victory over Jelena Janiciijevic, but the jump to the 25-1 (6 KOs) Taylor is huge.
The WBC title is vacant due to beltholder Sandy Ryan stepping away from the sport to have a child.
“The WBC congratulates Sandy Ryan on her pregnancy and wishes her all the best. As champion in recess, she will always have the support of the WBC during this process,” the sanctioning body posted on social media.
“The vacant WBC super lightweight championship will be on the line when Katie Taylor faces Flora Pili.”
It had been reported by Chris Mannix that Croke Park, the 82,000-seater stadium in which Taylor has long wanted to fight, has been provisionally booked for September 5.
