Taylor (26-1, 6 KOs) was a class above Pili (12-1, 2 KOs) from the opening bell, cruising to a unanimous decision by scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 98-91. But the fight itself was almost secondary to the scenes that preceded it and the scenes that followed.
With a sold-out Croke Park hanging on her every word, Taylor thanked the Irish fans who followed her around the world throughout a trailblazing career that helped transform women’s boxing. The 40-year-old Olympic champion then took one final lap around the ring before laying down her gloves alongside her championship belts, as is customary in boxing.
It was an emotional scene — and some of the biggest names in the sweet science felt it too.
Amanda Serrano, Taylor’s greatest rival and the woman who shared three historic fights with her, was among those who paid tribute as Taylor walked away from the sport. As did Jake Paul, whose Most Valuable Promotions helped stage all three Taylor vs. Serrano bout, as well as pound-for-pound stars Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner.
Check out reaction to Taylor’s emotional farewell below.
In a few Minutes @KatieTaylor makes her final ring walk, a True Legend
The Woman that made it Possible for Olympic Medals to be Contested & Won.
The REAL GWOAT without disrespecting any other.
Thank you for Sharing 30 amazing rds with me ❤️Katie GOD BLESS you Always! 🙏
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) September 5, 2026
Dear Katie,
No matter what happens tonight at Croke Park, your résumé is already closed and untouchable. From a 15-year-old in Ireland’s first sanctioned women’s bout to Olympic gold, five world amateur titles, and undisputed in two divisions, you didn’t just win, you were… pic.twitter.com/ymsmNLYqNW
— Nakisa Bidarian (@nakisa_bidarian) September 5, 2026
Yall im emotional on KT Day 🥊 @KatieTaylor
— Franchón Crews-Dezurn (@TheHHDiva) September 5, 2026
Just amazing 🥹🥹🥹🥹 Last walk for Katie !!!!!!!
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) September 5, 2026
Love to see it 🇮🇪😍
— Alycia Baumgardner (@alyciambaum) September 5, 2026
All the support here in Ireland for @KatieTaylor‘s last walk 🙌🏻 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/lsggY4oW4p
— Mikaela Mayer (@MikaelaMayer1) September 4, 2026
Hands were thrown Period!!!!!!! https://t.co/ZtU1S63Yuq
— Franchón Crews-Dezurn (@TheHHDiva) September 5, 2026
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I’m Crying like a f n baby 😭@MatchroomBoxing@DAZNBoxing
— Franchón Crews-Dezurn (@TheHHDiva) September 5, 2026
🚨 3 TIME UNDISPUTED CHAMP
✅ Katie Taylor defeats Flora Pili by unanimous decision (100-90 x2, 98-91) to become a three-time undisputed world champion.
💥 The greatest female fighter of all time bows out of the sport on top in front of 83,000 adoring fans at Croke Park. pic.twitter.com/dBwPaGcKS5
— EverythingBoxing | Darshan Desai (@EverythingBoxi2) September 5, 2026
Congrats Katie!!!!!! Now Ride off into the sunset 🥹🥹🥹🥹 The fighting Irish ☘️! You deserve it all!!!!!!!!! 🙇🏾♀️
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) September 5, 2026
I’ve often said what I am most proud of is the work I have done with Amanda Serrano. Well that doesn’t happen without Katie Taylor. A true champion, an icon, a trailblazer. Because of your commitment and sacrifice, you are leaving women’s boxing in a completely different place…
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 5, 2026
Massive respect and congrats to Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn and Katie Taylor’s team on getting Croke Park delivered. What a great moment. History again. @MatchroomBoxing
— Nakisa Bidarian (@nakisa_bidarian) September 5, 2026
83,000 🤩🤩🤩😱😱😱 SETTING THE BAR SO HIGH!!!! Congrats KATIEEEE WOW!!!!
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) September 5, 2026
Thank you for absolutely everything, Katie. For absolutely everything. The greatest to ever do it, the greatest that will ever do it. Enjoy retirement, you deserve it all 💚 pic.twitter.com/3eepCoiqWZ
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 5, 2026
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