Katie Taylor closes out remarkable career with one-sided victory

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/66317784

The Ring’s junior welterweight champion added the vacant WBC title to her IBF, WBA, WBO belts and leaves the sport as the undisputed champion at 140 pounds.

Taylor previously reigned as the undisputed champion at lightweight and junior welterweight. She is also an Olympic gold medalist and a five-time amateur world champion.

The 10 rounds of action and the resultant trophies and accolades were just a small part of an emotionally charged night.

Croke Park is sacred ground for Irish sporting fans, and the famous old stadium became a cathedral to the 40-year-old fighter from Bray whose humble, hard working demeanor has endeared her to her people as much as her long list of achievements.

The young girl who had to tuck her hair up into her headguard and pretend to be a boy in order to get fights would grow into the most well-known, influential female fighter in boxing history. And, Saturday, she became the first fighter to headline the huge stadium since the great Muhammad Ali stopped Al "Blue" Lewis there in 1972.

“We did it, we brought boxing back to Croke Park,” Taylor said after having her hand raised for the 26th and final time. “Everyone here, I had you with me before London 2012 Olympics. You were with me at the Excel Arena in 2012 [when she won Olympic gold].

“You were with me through the heartbreak of Rio. You stayed with me turning pro. You traveled around the world to watch me in Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Boston, Brooklyn, Manhattan.

“Now you are here with me at this amazing stadium. I don't know of any other country that has sold 80,000 tickets for a female athlete. I'm convinced Ireland is the only country.

"She (Pili) is actually a very awkward opponent, a great opponent, so thank you so much to her for being involved in this epic night.”