All the talk has been about Katie Taylor this week – but the supporting cast for Saturday’s historic extravaganza at Croke Park were keen to impress that it will be a monumental night for them too as the undercard spoke at today’s final press conference in Dublin.

Over 80,000 fans will fill the iconic Irish stadium this weekend for legend Taylor’s last-ever fight, when she challenges France’s undefeated Flora Pili for the Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship – live worldwide on DAZN and non-exclusively in Ireland on RTÉ.

And with the news that Westlife will be the headline performance on the evening, a blockbuster undercard promises to make Saturday’s show – promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions and Brian Peters – the most memorable night of boxing to ever be staged in th Emerald Isle.

The chief support sees two Heavyweights collide as Britain’s popular Dave Allen goes up against Dublin’s own in Thomas Carty.

Limerick’s No.1 ranked IBF Welterweight challenger Paddy Donovan looks to fend off the challenge of Belfast’s Tyrone McKenna.

Unbeaten Southampton Super Middleweight Taylor Bevan meets undefeated Emmet Brennan, who leaves just 500m from Croke Park in the opening bout of the Main Card.

Scroll down to hear what all the fighters, along with Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith and Brian Peters, had to say below.

Taylor vs Pili is sponsored by Title Event Partners Lidl Ireland, along with sponsors Paddy Power, Domino’s Ireland, Everlast, That Prize Guy, Ten Percent Club, ALP and Riyadh Season.

UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL

Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:
“It was years in the making to get here and it wasn’t always easy but things like this, greatness, isn’t always going to be easy. I’ve seen a lot of people get thanked for this over the week, but I really think there’s one person to thank and that’s Katie Taylor. When it came to making this fight, I remember speaking to Brian and Katie about three months ago and a lot of things in this life come down to money unfortunately but this fight came down to legacy and creating a moment that will never be forgotten. Thanks to Katie Taylor for saying, ‘yes, whatever it takes, I want to make this happen’. Every fighter in here is getting the chance to be involved in a moment of history and something that I don’t think we’ll ever see again.”

Paddy Gallagher:
“This is going to be a cracking fight. We get to open the show which is unbelievable as well. It’s going to be an aggressive all-action fighter against a slick counterpuncher. I think it’s going to be the bases of who’s better at their game and there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m going to win the fight. Once again thank you everyone who got me involved in this event. I’m really looking forward to it and it’s going to be an absolute spectacle. Enjoy the show all round. We’re first up. We get to fight, we do our thing and then we sit back and enjoy it all.

Paul Ryan:
“It means everything. It’s a privilege and an honour to be up here. Eddie talked about my ringwalk and what I wear, but I want everyone to know that I fight better than I walk. That’s going to be the real talking point of the night. It feels me with pride, and it really is a ‘pinch me’ moment to be up here but I’m going to grab this opportunity with both hands, and I’ll be here to stay. The plan is to open up doors now; we’re going to kick them down. We’ve been in with good lads, we’ve sparred George Liddard in this camp as well. We know how good we are. Now it’s time to take the platform and show the world how good we are.”

Bobbi Flood:
“This means a lot to me. In 2012 my mum brought me out to Katie Taylor’s homecoming after winning the gold and I had my red amateur kit on, my red gloves and my Irish flag. If you look on my mum’s old Facebook, she had a photo of Katie holding  small picture of me when I was young that she had signed. She said, ‘watch this space’… to now being one of the first people opening up there, after Paul and Paddy of course. It’s unbelievable, it’s proper surreal. I’m going to put on a good performance. I’ve put the work in. I fought last month so I was still fit coming into camp. Feeling good, feeling strong, feeling sharp and I just can’t wait to showcase my skills on Saturday.”

Adam Olaniyan:
“It’s good. This is what I’ve always dreamed of, to be fighting on these big events, these big cards and getting these opportunities. Big thanks to Matchroom. It’s only the start of a great career. I’ve bigger ambitions and big goals for myself, of course like everyone else on this table. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve put the work in. I’ve been in camp really since January. I haven’t left the gym. I’ve been there with Paul and Ant every day since. I’m ready to put on a big performance and a big display of what we have been working on. Devastation, power, accuracy, speed – all that good stuff that we look for. I’m putting my name in the history books as the next Heavyweight to fight in this historic ground since Muhammad Ali – what an opportunity. I grew up watching Muhammad Ali. I grew up saying, ‘I want to do that, I want to emulate what he’s done. It’s not huge, I know, but for my name and his name to be in the same sentence, I’m lost for words.” 

Matthew Boreland:
“This fight is just all to gain, absolutely nothing to lose. The pressure is on Joe. I’m just from a wee small town up the other side of the country. I just want to put it on the map. I’m just going to go in and give it my all and I’m going to prove I’m the better fighter. We’re going to see if he can get hit, if he’s got a chin. That’s what we’ll find out.”

Joe McGrail:
“It was just nice to remind people what I can do Jamie. Obviously I had a tough year out with an injury so it was nice to remind people. I’ll be looking to do the same on Saturday. I’m not really assed to be honest (on the pressure all being on him). It doesn’t make any difference to me Jamie. He’s just the next fella in front of me. I’m going to beat him and then I’m going to progress to bigger and better things.”

Molly McCann:
“I’m going to be the new Carl Froch. None of us have heard the end of him fighting at Wembley. It’ll be, ‘remember that time I fought at Croke Park in front of 80,000 people’. That’s my new one liner. I remember walking into a boxing gym and being turned away and being told I wasn’t allowed to box because I was a girl. I remember starting boxing, it was at the Golden Gloves gym. My coach brought in a camcorder, and on that camcorder, he said, ‘watch this girl, I’ve just seen her training with her dad’. It was Katie and Pete. I was like, ‘oh my god, I want to be like her’. 20 years later, here we are. There’s been moments in my career where I’ve bumped into Brian and bumped into Katie. We spoke about maybe one day turning over. It’s not lost on me I know how many girls and how many young men would kill to be in this position. I’m really aware of the honour and the privilege that it is. It’s like you’re walking on clouds every day. I’ve fought on massive stages before in my other careers, and I’ve maybe used all of my energy up in that week and been so ready. I’ve learnt from highs and I’ve learnt from the lows. The win isn’t just getting here and walking out. The win is the win when your hand is raised at the end of the fight. I’m very much aware nothing is done until it is done.”

Sylwia Doligala:
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. Going from little, small hall shows onto this is just a dream come true for me. Especially fighting Molly, she’s such a known person. I believe it will be such a good fight. There will be some fireworks on Saturday night.”

Emmat Brennan:
“We were basically told if Taylor doesn’t win his last fight, then the fight is probably off. So, this fight was riding on him winning in Southampton, which he did. But for me that was more nerve racking than I’ve ever been in the ring because it’s such a historic occasion. As I mentioned to you the other day, it’s going to be a war of attrition from the first round. There’s a bit of a height difference; I’m not going to win this on the back foot. It’s going to be from the get-go. We know his style, he’s going to stand and fight as well. It’s going to be a war of attrition and I’m going to come out on top.”

Taylor Bevan:
“I feel like I’ve really settled into the pros now and I’m learning every week in the gym with them. I just think I’m the better boxer all round. I think I’ve been super active since I turned pro. I’m the ultimate professional when it comes to training. I couldn’t have done anymore this camp. I know I’m going to get the best Emmat Brennan on the night because this is his dream come true but this is a dream for me as well boxing on one of the biggest stages in boxing in front of 80,000 fans. I’ve left no stone unturned in camp and you’re going to get the very best version of me on Saturday night.”

Tyrone McKenna:
“I’ve put myself through hell for this camp. I’ve taken myself away from my family, from my friends. Flew over to ‘the dungeon’ in Philadelphia. You take a West Belfast man and take him to North Philly, it’s a dangerous combination. It’s been tough. Sparring three days a week. This is the most I’ve ever sparred for a camp. It’s a world class gym and I’m surrounded by world class fighters. The coaching is world class. So, I’ve done absolutely everything for this fight. I know how good Paddy is. I’ve sparred him 100 times. I know I had to put in a world class camp and I did. I think Paddy is overlooking me. All I hear is, ‘Liam Paro, Liam Paro, Lewis Crocker’. You have to have your eyes on me. Get your mind right. I’m coming for you. You better believe it. I’m coming for you. I am going to drown you son, you’re not going to be able to breathe. You’re not going to breathe.”

Paddy Donovan:
“First of all this feels like more of a comedy show than a press conference. Well done Brian you’re doing a great job. First of all thank you to Matchroom, DAZN, Eddie Hearn, Frank and all the lads who made this show possible. It’s a great show and it’s a great event. I’m excited. It’s a big big opportunity for me and for Tyrone to showcase our skill on the biggest platform possible in front of 80,000 fans. It’s risky to take the fight being number one with the IBF but I’m excited. We couldn’t turn down the opportunity to fight in front of 80,000 fans. I’ve been putting in the hard work with Andy and my team. It’s my time. We want to bring big shows back to Ireland when Katie is gone and I’m going to be the guy to do it. I know Tyrone and I know the ins and outs of him. He can have all the training he wants; he can just be fit. I know the way he fights and his gameplan. There’s nothing going to change with Tyrone. He’s a scrapper. Tyrone knows exactly how good I am. He’s shared the ring with me many times and he’s going to find out I’m the best Welterweight out there.”

Thomas Carty:
“It’s massive. I could go on all day about what it means but it’s probably really hard to put into words. It’s something that I’ve tried to imagine a couple of times what it’s going to be like walking out but I just can’t. I’m really looking forward to Saturday night to see what it’s like. I think it will be very hard to beat. I don’t think we’ll ever see anything like this again in this country. Listen, I’m a fan of Dave. When I started boxing Dave was active. I remember all of his fights. I’ve been watching him the whole way through. More and more as I got on with my career, I started to think maybe there’s a chance me and Dave could fight. What better opportunity than Croke Park? Dave is no joke. I’m absolutely well aware what Dave brings to the table. I couldn’t have done anymore. Dave says at this level. I’m maxed out. I did everything that I could in this camp. I’m in a really really good position right now coming back from the injury. I’m probably better right now than I was beforehand. This is going to be my best fight on Saturday night, absolutely.”

Dave Allen:
“I’ve been a pro 15 years now. This is fight 39. After the Hrgovic fight all the feeling left me really for boxing. The feeling has left. I’m not here trying to resurrect a run at any titles. I’m here to fight really. That’s it. There’s no mad ambitions, there’s no anything really. I’m just here to have a fight and at this level I’m a proper handful. People say whatever about my weight, about my effort levels. When I get in the ring at this level, if you’re not Hrgovic, I’ll take some beating. I think you’re a good fighter, but if you’re not very good I’ll f***ing flatten you, I always have. You’re a proper solid bloke, I like you, but I’ll flatten him, 100%. I don’t have a doubt.”

A historic fight week in Dublin is officially underway as Katie Taylor received an incredible, hero’s reception at today’s final Main Event Press Conference before her swansong this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN and non-exclusively in Ireland on RTÉ.

The legendary Irish fighter bids to become a three-time Undisputed Champion when she faces France’s undefeated Flora Pili in front of 80,000 at Dublin’s historic Croke Park with the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight Titles on the line.

And Taylor was welcomed to a rapturous homecoming this afternoon in front of a sold-out crowd at The Helix. 

Thanking her Irish fans,  an emotional Taylor insisted she will not take Pili lightly in her quest to make her country proud for one final time.

Taylor said: “Like I said before, I am so blown away by all this amazing support. I am so proud to be Irish. I’m so proud to represent this amazing country every single time I step inside the ring.

“I’m still pinching myself. This is a dream. We can be very proud as a nation because I’m not sure there is any other nation in the world where 80,000 people would turn up for a female athlete. I just want to say to you all, from the bottom of my heart, that I am so grateful. Thank you.”

Pili, who has never tasted defeated in her professional career, declared she is not here in Dublin to make up the numbers and is confident of causing a major upset.

Pili said: “Well, what can I say. I am the underdog for the fight but I have nothing to lose and everything to win. For that reason, there is less pressure on me and, for that reason, I will be giving it 200 per cent.” 

On what is a bumper Fight Week, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn hosted today’s proceedings before he heads to Newark, New Jersey where Heavyweights 
Andy Ruiz Jr and Damian Knyba collide at the Prudential Center this Friday, September 4, live on DAZN and TNT Sports.

And Hearn paid homage to Taylor on what he insists will be the biggest female sporting spectacle of all-time in the Emerald Isle.

Hearn said: “Saturday will be, as far as I’m concerned, the biggest moment in Katie Taylor’s career, the biggest night in the history of Irish sport, the biggest female sporting event of all-time and, for me personally without question, the biggest and greatest night of my career. I’ve never looked forward to a night like this in my whole life.

“I think what you are about to witness will be one of the most memorable ocassions that everybody who has bought a ticket, everybody inside Croke Park and everybody tuned in around the world on DAZN, and in Ireland on RTÉ, will never, ever forget.

“And that is what great sport is all about: those memorable moments that leave you on the edge of your seat and make your eyes well up.

You can read the quotes in full below from today’s Main Event Press Conference.

As a monumental night at Croke Park awaits, delivered by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions and Brian Peters, Fight Week continues tomorrow when Taylor and Pili lead the stacked card of fighters taking part in an Open Workout, taking place at The Helix at 6pm.

Then, on Thursday, September 3, the undercard – including Dave Allen vs Thomas Carty, Paddy Donovan vs Tyrone McKenna, Taylor Bevan vs Emmet Brennan, Molly McCann vs Sylwia Doligala, Joe McGrail vs Matthew Boreland, Adam Olaniyan vs Matej Hudak, Bobbi Flood vs Jack Swallow and Paul Ryan vs Paddy Gallagher – take to the stage for the Undercard Press Conference at The Helix, The Theatre, which starts at 1pm – open to media only.

Taylor vs Pili is sponsored by Title Event Partners Lidl Ireland, along with sponsors Paddy Power, Domino’s Ireland, Everlast, That Prize Guy, Ten Percent Club and Riyadh Season.

For all the latest news and updates throughout Fight Week, follow

TAYLOR VS PILI: MAIN EVENT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“This is genuinely the only place where I am clapped! Thank you very much, Ireland. For anyone who watched our promo earlier in the week, if there was a dry eye watching it I’d be astonished. Saturday will be, as far as I’m concerned, the biggest moment in Katie Taylor’s career, the biggest night in the history of Irish sport, the biggest female sporting event of all-time and, for me personally without question, the biggest and greatest night of my career.

“I’ve never looked forward to a night like this in my whole life. I think what you are about to witness will be one of the most memorable occasions that everybody who has bought a ticket, everybody inside Croke Park and everybody tuned in around the world on DAZN, and in Ireland on RTÉ, will never, ever forget. And that is what great sport is all about: those memorable moments that leave you on the edge of your seat and make your eyes well up. It is down to, of course, Katie Taylor.

“But today I also want to talk about the challenge that represents itself on Saturday night – because this is all lovely; the country is going to have a night they will never forget. But we have got to win. There are six belts up for grabs here and Katie only has four of them. And there are two more to win on Saturday night. This is her opportunity to become Undisputed Champion once more.

“The undercard is incredible. The acts that you will be witnessing will be incredible too. It is going to blow your mind. But, on Saturday night, it is a culmination of all the work that has taken place in training camps and throughout Katie’s whole career to try and make history. As I said, she can become Undisputed again.

“There are so many thank you’s on a night like this. Of course, Matchroom and our incredible team with the likes of Frank Smith, Jon Hill and everybody involved in making this a night that you will never forget. Peter Aiken has been an absolute blockbuster member and addition to the team. Just for anybody out there, don’t ever let anyone ever dampen your spirit or your belief about what is possible. I was a bit angry with myself because I started to think that maybe we can’t do this. Maybe it won’t work. Maybe we won’t sell 80,000 tickets. I thought we’d have to give up. I hate even saying it. It was Katie’s attitude, which has always ben unfathomable and undeniable, but it was also Peter’s attitude and his confidence to say that I know my people, I know this country, and I promise you that they will come out and support Katie Taylor.

“Without Peter putting his… genitals on the line, as well as a lot of us, there are so many people who are going to enjoy Saturday night. Without Peter’s contribution, I’m not even sure we would be where we are. I want to thank our partners DAZN. People tried to dampen our fire and now DAZN proudly sits as the Global Home of Boxing. Basically every promotional company in the world is on the platform and if you don’t have DAZN, then you don’t even know boxing. This is just the most wonderful product and most wonderful service. And what I like most about DAZN is in our partnership with them is that they understand our fighters. In one of the biggest moments in Katie’s career, was the Amanda Serrano II fight on Netflix, and then the third fight. DAZN saw that and they allowed that, they welcomed it and that wasa huge part of her career. And what they have done on Saturday night to allow, and rightfully so, RTÉ, to broadcast this on terrestrial TV across Ireland and the entire nation is once again groundbreaking for the sport of boxing. I think this could open unbelievable doors for the sport of boxing in this country. So again thank you to DAZN, RTÉ and all our other partners that are sponsoring the event.

“To the man next to Peter Aiken, Brian Peters. I mean, firstly, you have to be a strange cat to wear the shirts that he wears! But the partnership with had with Brian and his whole team. Brian has been the driving force but a huge shout out to Tomas, is definitely the brains of the operation. Yes, this night is for Katie – but this night is for everybody who has played a part in this incredible journey.

“Ross, mate, unbelievable. You have really gelled with Katie over the years and have shared the most incredible journey and partnership where you have given so much as well to the point where you haven’t brought in dozens of other fighters who you could have brought in, due to your time and commitment to Katie Taylor. You guys have got the job to do on Saturday night to complete this journey. You have all done an amazing job.

“Before I go to Katie, the team to my left deserve a lot of credit too. Christian Cherchi, who has been a partner of ours for years and years. My father goes back in partnerships over the years with his father and they have run Italian boxing. He comes to win. These are dangerous people. To Pietro and Flora Pili, this is a high quality team. They understand what this is but they have absolutely no interest in the fairytale story of Katie Taylor. They are coming for all of these belts and change her life on Saturday. We respect you and your entire team. She is IBO World Champion and European Champion. Undefeated. An outstanding amateur. A big, strong 140lb fighter. This is a real, real fight omn Saturday. We welcome you and these people will give you all the respect in the world. And I am excited for you as well because you will never be a part of anything like this ever again. So, good luck to Team Pili. And I say that with full respect because nothing like this will ever happen again. I say the same thing to Katie.

“To Katie, what can I say? The build-up to this event has been incredible. Alex Haines, our Content team, they have captured the true emotion of what this means to everybody. I’ve thanked everybody up here. But the people who we really need to thank are the people of Ireland and the people who have made this possible. The people who have supported Katie Taylor throughout her entire career and the people who have made Saturday night possible by coming out and supporting. As much as this is Katie Taylor’s night, this is your night as well. Your night as a country where you can celebrate Ireland and, what I think by now, all acknowledge as the greatest Irish sportsperson of all-time in Katie Taylor.”

Katie Taylor:

“I’m still pinching myself that this is actually happening to be honest. I’m just a few days away from making my last ringwalk in Croke Park. This is an absolute dream in front of 80,000 people. It’s going to be an amazing night for Irish sport, Irish boxing and women’s sport in general. I think we can be very proud as a nation as well. I’m not sure if there’s any other country in the world where 80,000 people turn up for a female athlete. I’m so so grateful for the support. I’m blown away by it to be quite honest. I want to put on a performance worthy of everyone’s support over the years. This country has travelled around the world to watch me fight. They’ve travelled to London, to Manchester, Leeds, Brooklyn, Boston, Dallas, New York and they’ll be with me on Saturday night as well. I just want to say to you all thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I’m so grateful. Thank you.

“I try not to reflect too much on it because I have a job to do. It’s too dangerous of a sport to have your body in the ring and in your heart you’re thinking of retirement. I have got a job to do and I’m very much focused on the job. I have allowed myself to think about it a small bit over the past few months. Just thinking about the last 30 years in the ring. All the amazing people I’ve met. All of the amazing spars that I’ve had along the way. Having a chance to meet icons of the sport. Having a chance to headline these amazing arenas. Now I get to end my dream career in my dream venue in Croke Park. This really is beyond my wildest dreams. But the most important part of Saturday night is that I get my hand raised. I’ve been in training camp as per usual. It’s business as per usual for me. I have a real live opponent in front of me. It’s not going to be a walk in the park. She’s here to win as well. She’s a young undefeated fighter and I’m very aware of that as well. I’ve locked myself away over these last few months in preparation for this fight. It’s going to be a tough fight for sure but that’s where I’m at my best.”

Ross Enamait, Katie Taylor Trainer:

“It’s amazing that we’re even here, but at the same time none of it really matters if we go out and lose so we’ve still got a job to do. It’s an amazing night, an amazing event, but I try not to think about it too much because we’ve got to go out there and win the fight first otherwise it was all for nothing. We’ve got to keep our head down. 

“She’s a big 140 pounder, unbeaten and she doesn’t care about the crowd or what this means for Katie or to Ireland. She’s here to win and spoil the show. We’ve got to keep our head down and do the job and we can enjoy it afterwards. 

Flora Pili:

“I’m very proud to be here as well. Thank you and welcome to everybody. Thank you for the welcome. I just want to thank my staff who have stood by me during the 3-month preparation for this big fight. I think we’re all aware of the task ahead of us. We’ve got the whole of France behind us. Not just the few people who will be in this enormous crowd, but everybody back home and on DAZN watching around the world. We are going to be very proud to take on the worthy opponent of Katie.

“Well like you say, I have nothing to lose and everything to win. I am the underdog for the fight. For that reason there’s less pressure on me, and for that reason I’m going to be giving 200% from round one right to the end. I’m going to give everything I can and hopefully take home all of these wonderful belts.”

Pietro Pili, Flora Pili Trainer:

“We’re certainly very very proud to be here and full of emotion as you mentioned Eddie. But I think the emotion is a very positive one. It’s that which has driven us forward through the preparation, through the training camp. We know the magnitude of the event for the people of Ireland and we’re delighted and honoured to provide a worthy opponent for Saturday.” 

Brian Peters, Katie Taylor Manager:

“It’s been some journey, Eddie. I have to thank the global home of boxing DAZN. They’ve been wonderful to work with. RTE too, it’s great to get it on RTE. Fortunately, unfortunately, the tickets all sold out in 17 minutes. Over 80,000, so that was quite magical. But then the next problem was there’s so many people that don’t get to see the show. It’s great that RTE has it so it’s going to be in the four corners of the Republic of Ireland. It’s amazing and like Peter said, we priced the tickets right. Not only is it a historical, iconic sporting cultural moment… I’m not sure what you could compare it to, I don’t think there’s been anything like it before. I think it’s just so great. It took all these guys here just to get it over the line. And of course, the lady herself. Not only is she Ireland’s greatest sports person of all time – no disrespect Roy Keane you’re a good second – but she’s one of the greatest Irish people of all time. We’re all honoured and privileged to be part of the journey.”

Christian Cherchi, Flora Pili Manager:

“Good afternoon everyone. It’s unbelievable this situation, taking part in this event. No fight is won before they do it. I’m sure Katie will not underestimate Flora. For Katie win or lose, it will not change her career. She was already undisputed, she has proven and proven again.But for Flora this will change everything. This will be a real fight. People will witness a great night of boxing .” 

Peter Aiken, Aiken Promotions Owner:

“I’d seen the reaction to Katie, and I’m getting a lot of credit, but the person that sold this fight was Katie Taylor. I saw that first hand going around the country. We had this bus trip, this idea that we came up with. We sold it to Brian and he came on the bus trip for five days. I saw it first hand when Katie turned up in the town and the reaction she had. Not only is she an unbelievable person, but the respect and the love she has around the country – I don’t think we’ll see it for any sports person ever again. The way she can handle herself, she makes you proud to be Irish. Not that it takes much. They were starting at 8 in the morning, doing interviews and blogs, newspaper interviews. Finished at 10pm at night and then Katie would actually train after that. Back out at 8 in the morning. She sold the tickets. Thank you. You’re amazing, and Brian as well. Brian and I have been friends a long time ago but we’ve rekindled our friendship, which means Brian rings me 20 times a day. I’ll miss it when it’s over because he’s a great guy to work with. I’ve learnt a lot as well from the Matchroom team. They’re a serious operation. I’ve enjoyed working with Eddie’s sister Katie. Jon Hill is a great guy, he’s as good as any production manager I’ve ever met in the world. Frank, I’ve enjoyed working with him, sometimes. It’s been a pleasure. It’s definitely the biggest thing I’ve ever been involved in, and the most exciting thing.”

Matchroom Boxing is delighted to announce today that Katie Taylor’s historic Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship showdown with Flora Pili will be broadcast free-to-air on RTÉ in the Republic of Ireland and live, exclusively, worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

Tickets were snapped up immediately by fight fans with 80,000 set to be in attendance when Dublin’s iconic Croke Park plays host to Taylor’s momentous farewell on Saturday, September 5.

The trailblazing London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist and legendary, multi-weight World Champion Taylor will bid to sign off her remarkable career in style when she faces undefeated French rival, Pili, for all the major titles in the 140lbs division.

And millions of homes throughout Ireland will be able to watch legendary Taylor’s last-ever fight free-to-air on RTÉ, Ireland’s leading public service broadcaster, as she makes a bid to become a three-time Undisputed champion of the world.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said:“Saturday, September 5 is the night when Katie Taylor will bring Ireland to a standstill. A night that will be immortalised forever.

“I cannot think of a more fitting way to honour Katie’s remarkable career by sharing this special night with millions of her loyal Irish fans, live on RTÉ – and it is all thanks to our partners at the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN for allowing this event to be broadcast via FTA in Ireland.

“This will be an unforgettable evening with 80,000 in attendance at Croke Park. Katie is without question the greatest of all time.

“She will be determined to sign-off in style and capture the Undisputed crown. And for that, she absolutely deserves all the support she can get as reward for such a magnificent career.”

RTÉ is proud to announce that RTÉ Sport have secured the rights to air the fight, free to air, for Irish audiences on RTÉ 2, RTÉ Player and 2FM. Topping off a sizzling summer of sport which featured extensive World Cup, GAA and European Athletics and Swimming coverage RTÉ will be there to capture all the action in the ring – every hook, every jab, every step of the way.
 
RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett said:“RTÉ was there at the start of Katie’s journey as an amateur and we are delighted to be there for the final chapter. Katie is, and always will be, one of Ireland’s greatest ever sporting icons and it is fitting that she ends her illustrious career in Croke Park in front of a full stadium and a national audience.”

The last time a professional boxing event was staged in Croke Park was July 1972 when Muhammed Ali famously took on Detroit heavyweight Al “Blue” Lewis.

And, 54 years on, a blockbuster undercard awaits on Saturday, September 5 with a host of huge Irish names in action. Heavyweight Thomas Carty is chief support for the evening as he collides with Doncaster’s Dave Allen.

Limerick’s World Title hopeful Paddy Donovan, ranked No.1 by the IBF in the Welterweight rankings, faces a tough test in the form of Belfast’s Tyrone McKenna.

Dublin’s Emmet Brennan takes on Britain’s Taylor Bevan in an eagerly anticipated contest between two highly rated Super Middleweight prospects.

And Molly McCann, the former MMA superstar turned professional boxer and relative of Katie Taylor, also lights up what promises to be a night that will live long in the memory.

Taylor vs Pili is delivered by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions and Brian Peters, with Title Event Partner Lidl Ireland alongside event sponsors Domino’s Ireland, That Prize Guy, Ten Percent Club and Drip.

The undercard for Katie Taylor’s final dance is confirmed as the fighting pride of Ireland get set for a blockbuster night in front of 80,000 fans at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park on Saturday, September 5 – live worldwide on DAZN.

The event, delivered by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions, Brian Peters and Title Event Partner, Lidl Ireland, will see Boxing return to Ireland’s historic home of the Gaelic Athletic Association for the first time since the late, great Muhammad Ali famously fought there in 1972.

Legendary Taylor will be bidding to become a three-time Undisputed queen with the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Titles on the line when she headlines against France’s undefeated Flora Pili.

And a bumper undercard awaits too – including an eagerly awaited Heavyweight clash between Dave Allen and Ireland’s own, Thomas Carty.

Allen (26-9-2, 20 KOs), who last summer upset Johnny Fisher in London, recently came up short in two recent huge battles with Arslanbek Makhmudov and Filip Hrgovic. But the Doncaster favourite returned to winning ways earlier this month with a points win over Ross McGuigan.

Carty, meanwhile, was successful in his last outing back in March when he defeated German Skobenko on points almost a year after his only career defeat to date when he suffered a severe knee injury during his American debut against Dajuan Calloway.

In an exciting all-Irish clash, No.1 ranked mandatory challenger for the IBF World Welterweight Championship, and Limerick’s own, Paddy Donovan (15-2, 11 KOs) meets Belfast’s battle-hardened Tyrone McKenna (25-6-1, 8 KOs).

Katie Taylor’s cousin – the former UFC star turned professional boxer – Molly ‘Meatball’ McCann (4-0, 1 KO) will be hoping to set the tone earlier in the night as she looks to extend her winning start to life with Matchroom Boxing when she faces Yorkshire’s Sylwia Doligala (8-2-2).

Rising Super Middleweight prospect Taylor Bevan (9-0, 8 KOs), who earlier this month celebrated a home win at Southampton’s St Mary’s, will be looking for back-to-back stadium show wins as he takes on undefeated Dublin fighter Emmet Brennan (6-0, 1 KO).

Liverpool Super Bantamweight Joe McGrail (13-0, 6 KOs) bids for WBA Continental Gold glory when he collides with Coleraine’s unbeaten Matthew Boreland (7-0, 2 KOs)

It’s Dublin versus Belfast as two Middleweight rivals in Paul Ryan (10-2, 4 KOs) and Paddy Gallagher (17-6, 10 KOs) go head-to-head. 

Plus, two of Queensberry Promotions up-and-coming starlets look to shine on home soil as Dublin Heavyweight Adam Olaniyan (2-0, 2 KOs) and Dublin Super Welterweight Bobbi Flood (2-0, 1 KO) plan to get the home fans in the mood for a historic night for Irish sport.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said: “With so much Irish talent on the undercard, it will be a special, party atmosphere at Croke Park before 80,000 fans get behind the great Katie Taylor for her final ever fight.

“I love the Allen-Carty fight. Two experienced Heavyweights, in a make-or-break fight, out to score an almighty win. Plus, Paddy Donovan fresh from his recent heroics in Germany looks to underline his status as Ireland’s No.1 Welterweight – and underline why he is next in line to challenge for the IBF crown.

“Molly McCann looked great in her recent win in Liverpool and she has a huge year ahead. But she will be over the moon to be on this card, especially with her cousin Katie Taylor headlining. 

“Joe McGrail has got a tough test against Matthew Boreland in front of him but he is in a prime position to kick on in the Super Bantamweight division> And so too does Taylor Bevan, whose stock continues to grow after his hard-fought victory in Southampton.

“It will be a huge celebration for Irish sport and this card – live worldwide on the Global Home of DAZN – will certainly deliver for the 80,000 fans who pack into Croke Park on September 5”.

Follow all the latest news and updates on social media @MatchroomBoxing.

A fairytale ending in the storied career of Ireland’s greatest ever athlete Katie Taylor is today confirmed for Saturday, September 5 – live worldwide on DAZN – at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park as she defends her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles and fights for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight Championship in a historic Undisputed clash against France’s undefeated Flora Pili.

Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing, in association with Aiken Promotions, Brian Peters and Title Event Partner, Lidl Ireland, made the monumental announcement at a launch press conference today in an event that will undoubtedly bring the nation to a standstill.

Tickets will officially be released on sale next week via Ticketmaster, Friday June 12, priced from €38.70, with Family ticket packages (seated in a non-alcohol area in the stadium) priced at €125.50. Full details – including on-sale dates and service charges – are provided below.

Backed by Title Event Partner Lidl Ireland, the leading retailer is getting in the ring to support Katie as she fulfils her ambition to bring female boxing to Croke Park and break barriers in elevating female sport.

The legendary London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist and two-weight queen of boxing (25-1, 6 KOs) returns to home shores for what promises to be a special night in front of over 80,000 supporters at the Ireland’s premier concert and events venue – where she will bid to become a three-time Undisputed champion of the world.

It will be the first time a professional boxing event has been staged at the historic Dublin home of the Gaelic Athletic Association since the late, great Muhammad Ali famously fought Detroit heavyweight Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis back in 1972.

A thrilled Taylor – who will this Saturday embark on a four-day promotional tour of Ireland, starting in her hometown of Bray, County Wicklow, before reaching Dublin and other major cities including Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Belfast in Northern Ireland – has thanked all those who have made this iconic September 5 showcase possible, promising to deliver a Fight Night for the ages to her loyal faithful.

Taylor said: “This seems like the perfect way to end it – by becoming Undisputed Champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts. I’m so grateful that it’s happening and I can’t thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years.

“People have travelled all around the world to follow my career and I’m hoping I can repay some of that with a big performance on September 5. I’m under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge, she’s undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree so I have the utmost respect for her. 

“I’ve been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake. I hope it’s the kind of event that will inspire a whole new generation to take up sport and follow their passions –  that for me would be the greatest legacy I could leave.”

News on a blockbuster undercard will follow in due course – and Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn expects it to be an evening that will be permanently etched in sporting folklore.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for Matchroom,”said Hearn.

“For everything Katie Taylor has accomplished, and for all those she has inspired along the way, it is absolutely beyond deserved. From turning over as a professional a decade ago, to fighting in the most iconic stadiums around the world and making history at Madison Square Garden, she’s done it all. What a magical adventure it has been. Getting here to Croke Park has been years in the making. But we were never giving up on delivering this dream. 

“And to end this special journey together by becoming a three-time Undisputed Champion of the World is indeed the perfect farewell to what has been an extraordinary fairytale. The noise when Katie Taylor walks out in front of Croke Park on September 5 – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – will reverberate around the world. She is the ultimate trailblazer for this amazing sport. She is a living legend.” 

Title Event Partner Lidl Ireland Chief Executive Officer Robert Ryan said: “For more than a decade we have championed female sport in Ireland through our partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and we’re very much recognised across the country for breaking barriers, pushing boundaries and elevating female sport to the position it so rightly deserves. 

“There’s no question that Katie Taylor is the greatest athlete Ireland has ever seen and this clash will be the defining fight the country has been waiting for. This is the fight that fans have to see and we’re very proud to help provide that visibility and that platform. Our decade-long work in supporting the LGFA has always been to elevate the sport and its players and we’re very proud to further that cause and ‘Get Behind the Fight’ for Katie at Croker – a legendary fighter, an iconic venue and a defining moment for Irish female sport.”

Taylor’s long-standing manager Brian Peters expects a packed Croke Park to roar Taylor to triumph in her date with destiny, insisting it will be the perfect setting for the Irish hero to become a three-time Undisputed Champion.

Peters said: “This is a fitting, final chapter to what has been one of sport’s great fairytales. From dreaming about winning Olympic Gold medals in a sport that didn’t even exist to completely transforming her sport. Katie has broken global audience records and featured in some of the most iconic venues in fights that will be forever remembered. She’s reigned as a World Champion for 20 years and it’s been the most remarkable journey.

“She has seen and done it all but winning back her Undisputed title at Croke Park will truly top everything that has come before. I’ve no doubt Flora Pili will be prepared for the fight of her life but she will need to be because in front of a packed Croke Park, Katie will stop at nothing to make sure she becomes Undisputed Champion again.”

France’s unbeaten Pili is ready to spoil the party, however, with the 12-0 (2 KOs) WBC mandatory challenger determined to write her own name in lights by causing an almighty upset.

Pili said:“Katie Taylor is one of the greatest champions in the history of women’s boxing, and I have tremendous respect for everything she has achieved. Facing a legend like her represents the biggest opportunity of my career. On September 5, I will step into the ring fully prepared and ready to embrace this challenge in my quest to become the undisputed world champion.”

Pre-sale tickets for Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass members opens at 9am on Wednesday, June 10. Lidl customers with the Lidl Plus App can purchase on Pre-Sale exclusively from 10am via the Lidl Plus App, with Croke Park residents able to purchase from 10am also. General sale goes live at 9am on Friday, June 12. Cusack/Davin and Hogan stand prices start at €38.70 – with tickets for a family of four (in a non-alcohol area of the stadium) at €125.50. Pitchside prices range from €106.25 to €1,505.50. All tickets via Ticketmaster are subject to a max service charge of €10.50.

The fight will be available to watch live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – and VP of DAZN, Alfie Sharman added: “Katie Taylor fighting at Croke Park is one of the most significant moments in Irish sporting history. This is a homecoming that reflects a truly storied career — one built on excellence, resilience and titles. Fighting at Croke Park, in front of her legions of fans and returning to the country that shaped that journey, is a moment years in the making, and DAZN is proud to bring this landmark fight night to audiences around the world.”