“I just want to fight in Dublin to finish my career. Obviously, we’re still hoping for Croke Park, we’re holding on to a little bit of hope that it might happen,” Taylor told RTE.
“I’m fighting my last fight in our most famous arena, how special would that be? I think it would be very remarkable if I was able to do that. I’m not sure if it’s going to happen or not. Either way, I’ll be finishing my career here, and I’m very happy about that.”
Taylor has fought in Ireland only twice as a professional, both bouts coming in 2023 against Chantelle Cameron at Dublin’s 3Arena. Cameron won his first fight by majority decision to hand Taylor the only victory of his career before Taylor regained the undisputed junior welterweight championship six months later in their rematch.
The 38-year-old Irish star remains one of the most successful women’s boxers in history. Taylor won Olympic gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics before peaking and quickly collecting world titles in two categories. He became the undisputed lightweight champion in 2019 and later repeated the feat at 140 kilograms.
Much of Taylor’s recent profile has been built on her rivalry with Amanda Serrano. Their first fight at Madison Square Garden in 2022 was widely celebrated and helped raise the profile of women’s boxing. Taylor later completed the trilogy with a multiple decision win in July, making his record 25-1 (6 KOs).
The stadium’s farewell has been focused on his long-time promoter. Hearn admitted that turning the vision into reality would require significant work, but believes the moment will be historic in Irish sport.
“That’s a huge responsibility to make sure one of the greatest athletes of all time achieves his biggest dream. And I have to deliver Croke Park. I have to,” Hearn said on the Ariel Helwani Show.
“If I don’t do all of this, if I don’t try my best to make this a reality, I’m not doing Katie justice, and I’m not doing myself justice.
Hearn said discussions with Croke Park officials had taken place previously and had been restarted as Taylor’s career drew to a close.
“This time there is more pressure,” he said.
No opponent has been identified in Taylor’s last fight. Hearn said the focus is on determining whether the stadium system can be secured before moving forward with matches.
“Obviously you want to have a tough, competitive opponent, there’s a story behind it,” said Hearn. “There’s been no discussion or mention of a rival. It’s really trying to make negotiations with Croke Park a possibility before we go ahead with that.”
