Katie Taylor has insisted that she would have quit boxing if she was unable to have her farewell bout at Croke Park.
The Bray native, who has not fought in the ring since her clash with Amanda Serrano in New York's Madison Square Garden last year, was prepared to walk away from the sport if Croke Park could not be agreed.
"I’ve spoke to my family about going to Croke Park but never thought it was going to happen until a few months ago," said Taylor.
"After the last fight I was thinking, ‘What else is there to chase after really?’ What can get bigger than Madison Square Garden?", she added. "I had basically retired after the last fight. But I kept training, because in the back of my mind I was thinking about Croke Park".
"Then my manager (Brian Peters) rang me up and said, ‘Croke Park is actually going to happen’. This is the stuff of dreams" (quotes according to RTÉ).
Taylor was also blown away by the support she has received, after it was announced that all 80,000 plus tickets for this fight were sold within minutes, following a major pre sale demand.
"I’m actually blown away by by support. It’s been an amazing few weeks since the fight was announced, even on that bus tour going around the country. I felt like a pop star", she said. "It’s the fairy-tale ending I always wanted and I can’t believe it’s actually happening".
"It’s beyond my wildest dreams at this stage, but I still know I have a job to do".
This bout was confirmed by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, in association with Aiken Promotions, Brian Peters and Title Event Partner, Lidl Ireland.
On her undefeated opponent, Katie Taylor had nothing but respect for Flora Pili, a mandatory challenger and the top ranked contender for the vacant WBC belt.
"I have a real threat in front of me, someone who’s going to try and ruin the night for me. I’m prepared for that", Taylor stated. "She’s going to be raising her game, so I have to raise my game as well".
"I have the experience not to get complacent at this stage. I’m preparing for whatever comes my way on fight night, and I’m planning a career-best performance".
"This is another huge pressure night for me, but I love these kind of nights". (All quotes according to RTÉ).
This will also be the first fight hosted by Croke Park since boxing legend Muhammad Ali beat Al 'Blue' Lewis in 1972.
