‘I HAD TO DISGUISE MYSELF AS A BOY’ Katie Taylor Recalls the Struggle Behind Her Legacy

Katie Taylor declared that she is “so proud to be Irish” during an emotional final press conference ahead of the last fight of her legendary boxing career at Croke Park. Just days before making her final ring walk in front of 80,000 Irish supporters, Taylor reflected on the extraordinary journey that took her from being mocked as a young girl in boxing gyms to headlining Ireland’s national stadium. The Bray boxing icon revealed that she had to disguise herself as a boy to secure fights when she first entered the sport at nine or 10 years old. Taylor recalled being snickered at and laughed at as people questioned why a young girl was trying to become a boxer. She explained that she had to earn people’s respect along the way, but believes the struggles she endured helped open the door for the generation of female fighters following her. Taylor said boxing gyms across Ireland are now packed with young women who no longer have to overcome the same barriers she faced. Taylor hopes her final fight against undefeated French challenger Flora Pili will inspire thousands more girls to enter a boxing gym for the first time. She admitted that one of those young fighters could eventually surpass everything she has achieved. The Olympic champion also thanked the Irish supporters who travelled around the world throughout her career. Fans followed Taylor to London, Manchester, Leeds, Brooklyn, Boston, Dallas and New York, but they will finally witness her fight at the venue she has dreamed about throughout her career. Taylor admitted that she cannot fully prepare herself for the emotion of walking towards the ring beneath the Irish tricolours one last time. She said she is praying for the strength to control her emotions when she enters Croke Park, but insisted that her complete focus must remain on defeating Pili. Despite the historic occasion and the emotions surrounding her retirement, Taylor warned that this will not be a walk in the park. Pili is younger, undefeated and travelling to Dublin determined to spoil Ireland’s farewell celebration. Katie Taylor faces Flora Pili at Croke Park on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in her final professional boxing match. Approximately 80,000 supporters are expected to witness the end of a remarkable 30-year journey in the ring. From disguising herself as a boy and being laughed at inside boxing gyms to becoming one of Ireland’s most celebrated athletes, Taylor’s final appearance at Croke Park represents more than one last fight. It is the closing chapter of a career that transformed women’s boxing and inspired an entire generation. [1]: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/news/... "KATIE TAYLOR vs FLORA PILI WEIGH-IN SET FOR TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN AS HISTORIC FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE IS OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED"