Katie Taylor Confirms Dublin as Venue for Final Professional Bout
Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor has officially announced her intention to retire from professional boxing following one final fight in her home country this summer. The undisputed world super-lightweight champion revealed that Dublin will host her farewell bout, bringing an end to a remarkable two-decade career in the sport.
Career Finale Planned for Summer 2026
The 39-year-old fighter, known as the 'Bray Bomber,' stated that her retirement match is scheduled for July or August 2026, though specific details regarding the opponent and exact date remain undetermined. Taylor emphasized her commitment to concluding her professional journey in Ireland, fulfilling a long-held personal ambition.
"I just want to fight in Dublin to end my career," Taylor told RTE Sport. "It's kind of like my retirement fight. It has been an amazing journey over these last 20 years. I have had the highs and lows. It has been an incredible, remarkable career and I always wanted to end it here in Ireland."
Croke Park Remains Preferred Venue
Taylor expressed strong preference for holding her final contest at Croke Park, Ireland's most iconic sporting arena. While acknowledging that alternative venues like the 3Arena or Aviva Stadium could serve as backups, she described the prospect of fighting at Croke Park as particularly special.
"Croke Park would be the top of the list," Taylor explained. "Fighting my last fight in our most iconic arena, how special would that be? I think it would be absolutely remarkable if I was able to do that. I'm not sure if it is going to happen or not. Either way, I'll be ending my career here and I'm very, very excited about that."
Current Training and Career Highlights
Despite being in a period away from active competition, Taylor confirmed she remains in training and prepared for whatever opponent emerges for her summer farewell. Her professional record stands at 25-1, with her sole defeat coming against Chantelle Cameron in Dublin during 2023. She successfully avenged that loss later that same year, becoming a two-weight undisputed champion.
Taylor's most recent victory occurred in July 2025 when she retained her undisputed world super-lightweight title by narrowly defeating Amanda Serrano in their third encounter in New York. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Taylor also secured an Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Games, cementing her status as one of Ireland's greatest sporting figures.
Preparation for Final Celebration
The boxing champion described her upcoming retirement fight as "an amazing celebration" of her career achievements. While logistical details continue to be finalized, Taylor emphasized her readiness for the occasion regardless of the specific arrangements.
"We're still trying to figure the details out, but I do have one more fight this year," she stated. "I just know I'll fight this year during the summer time and all the other details will be laid out in the coming weeks and months. Either way, I'm in the gym for whenever and whoever it will be. I'm staying sharp and ready."
Taylor's announcement marks the beginning of the conclusion to a decorated career that has seen her dominate women's boxing across multiple weight divisions while inspiring countless athletes both in Ireland and internationally.
