Katie Taylor bows out from boxing as undisputed champion

Katie Taylor ended her legendary boxing career with a dominant victory against Flora Pili on an emotional night at Croke Park, claiming the undisputed world title at super-light division.

Taylor (26-1, 6 KOs) boxed with speed and precision and won via unanimous decision in front of near 83,000 fans in Ireland’s national stadium.

Judges scored the contest 100:90, 100:90 and 98:91 in favor of Taylor.

40-year-old Taylor thanked the supporters, her team and her family after being crowned champion before the ring emptied for one last goodbye.

"Croke Park, we did it, we brought boxing back to Croke Park," Taylor said. "Every one of you here have been with me before London 2012, through the heartbreak of Rio. You stayed with me when I turned pro. You've travelled around the world to watch me, now you are here with me in this amazing stadium.

"I don't know if any other country would sell 80,000 tickets for a female athlete. I'm convinced that Ireland's the only country."

Taylor's glittering 10-year professional career followed an equally groundbreaking and successful spell as an amateur. She contested Ireland's first ever sanctioned women's bout against Alanna Nihell in 2001.

Taylor's persistent lobbying and campaigning contributed to the addition of women's boxing to the Olympic Games.

She won gold for Ireland at London 2012 after carrying the flag for her country at the opening ceremony.

Taylor finished her amateur career with a 176-12-1 record which included five world championship titles and six European golds.