Taylor Gets 80,000-Strong Croke Park Sendoff

Katie Taylor will step into Croke Park on Saturday night for what is expected to be her final fight, with 80,000 fans filling the Dublin venue to send Ireland's most decorated fighter into retirement.

As ESPN reports, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed lightweight champion gets the kind of ending few athletes ever experience — one last walk in front of a packed stadium in her home country. Taylor, who turned professional in 2016 after a decorated amateur career, has headlined cards in New York and London but never fought at Croke Park, the 82,300-capacity Gaelic games stadium that stands as the spiritual home of Irish sport.

Taylor's Legacy in Women's Boxing

The 38-year-old Taylor has held world titles across multiple weight classes and was a driving force in getting women's boxing added to the Olympic program in 2012. She won gold that year in London, then claimed a second medal in Rio four years later before moving to the pro ranks under Eddie Hearn's Matchroom banner.

Her most recent outing, a disputed decision win over Amanda Serrano in their November rematch, raised questions about her future. Taylor has not publicly confirmed this bout as her retirement fight, but the scale of the Croke Park event — and the reported lack of future dates on her schedule — has fueled widespread speculation that Saturday marks the end.

The fight card begins at 7 p.m. local time, with Taylor expected to make her ring walk around 10:30 p.m. Irish time.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Katie Taylor's last fight and 80,000 thank-yous at Croke Park