“I just want to fight in Dublin to finish my career. Obviously we’re still hoping for Croke Park, with a bit of hope that it can happen,” Taylor told RTE.
“Fighting my last fight in our most iconic arena, how special would that be? I think it would be absolutely remarkable if I could do that. I’m not sure if it’s going to happen or not. Either way, I’ll end my career here, and I’m very excited about it.”
Taylor has only fought twice as a professional in Ireland, both bouts coming in 2023 against Chantelle Cameron at Dublin’s 3Arena. Cameron won their first fight by majority decision to hand Taylor the only loss of her career before Taylor regained the undisputed junior welterweight championship in their rematch six months later.
The 38-year-old Irish star remains one of the most accomplished fighters in women’s boxing history. Taylor won Olympic gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics before turning professional and quickly collected world titles across two divisions. She became undisputed lightweight champion in 2019 and later repeated the feat at 140 pounds.
Much of Taylor’s recent profile has been built through her rivalry with Amanda Serrano. Their first fight at Madison Square Garden in 2022 was widely celebrated and helped raise the visibility of women’s boxing. Taylor later completed the trilogy with a majority decision victory in July, moving her record to 25-1 (6 KOs).
The possibility of a stadium farewell became a focus for her longtime promoter. Hearn admitted that turning the idea into reality would require significant work, but believed the moment would be historic for Irish sport.
“It’s a lot of work to make sure one of the greatest athletes of all time gets her ultimate dream. And I have to deliver Croke Park. I have to,” Hearn said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“If I don’t give it my all, if I don’t try my hardest to make it a reality, I’m not doing Katie justice, and I’m not doing myself justice. Because it will be the biggest sporting event ever in the history of Ireland.”
Hearn said discussions with Croke Park officials had taken place previously and had resumed as Taylor’s career neared its end.
“This time there is more momentum,” he said.
No opponent has been identified for Taylor’s final fight. Hearn said the focus remains on determining whether the stadium plan can be secured before moving forward with matches.
“Obviously you want an opponent that’s compelling, that’s competitive, there’s a storyline behind it,” Hearn said. “Nothing has really been discussed or talked about an opponent. It’s really trying to get the talks with Croke Park that possibility before we go ahead with that.”
