Katie Taylor to bow out after Dublin clash this summer
Katie Taylor has confirmed that her farewell professional fight will take place in Dublin this summer, with the exact venue still to be decided. The 39-year-old has been stepping back from boxing and previously indicated in January that her career would end in 2026. Now she has gone a step further, revealing that Dublin will host the finale, with the hopeful target of a Croke Park showdown.
That dream has been discussed for years, but so far has not materialised. If talks don’t secure a bout at the GAA’s headquarters, other viable options include Aviva Stadium and the 3Arena.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Taylor said: “We’re still ironing out the details, but I do plan to have one more fight this year. It will feel like my retirement bout. The journey over these 20 years has been extraordinary—full of highs and lows. It’s been an incredible career, and I’ve always wanted to end it in Ireland.”
“That's the aim and we’re preparing for it, to have one last fight. It will be a fantastic celebration. I want to finish my career in Dublin. We’re hopeful for Croke Park, but there are other options if that doesn’t work. I’ve fought at the 3Arena a few times, and the Aviva Stadium is also on the table. Croke Park would be the pinnacle.”
“Fighting my final bout in our most iconic arena would be incredibly special. It would be remarkable if it happens, but I’m not certain it will. Either way, I’ll finish my career here, and I’m really excited about that.”
While a final date and opponent have not been finalised, late summer appears likely. With Croke Park hosting the All-Ireland finals, August seems the most plausible window when events like concerts and other sports will temporarily occupy the stadium.
Taylor added: “I think the fight will happen in July or August. I don’t know who the opponent will be or the exact date, but I know I’ll fight this year during the summer. The rest of the details will be announced in the coming weeks and months. I’ll be in the gym ready for whenever and whoever the challenger is.”
Currently, Taylor is technically the undisputed super-lightweight champion, though the WBC has designated her as Champion in Recess after Sandy Ryan captured the vacant belt last weekend by defeating Karla Ramos Zamora. Edith Soledad Matthysse also became interim WBA champion recently, making her a potential rival for Taylor.
The 45-year-old Matthysse pulled off a Detroit victory over Samantha Worthington, adding another layer of complexity to Taylor’s final-season plans.
For a final fight, Taylor may seek a higher-profile opponent to boost a Croke Park audience. The Bray boxer last fought in July, sealing a trio of wins against Amanda Serrano to retain her undisputed super-lightweight titles.
Throughout, Taylor has been eager to acknowledge the nation’s unwavering support as she prepares to bid farewell.
“Irish people have been extraordinary throughout my entire career—support that carried me from the Olympics into the pros. I’m deeply grateful for that.”
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