"The perfect way to end it."
Katie Taylor's final fight is officially confirmed to take place in Croke Park this year.
After much speculation, the date has officially been set as Saturday, September 5th, at the GAA headquarters.
Making the announcement, Taylor thanked all those who have made the showcase possible, promising to deliver a 'Fight Night' for the ages.
She 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."
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 and event partner, Lidl Ireland, made the announcement at a press conference today.
He said an update on 'a blockbuster undercard' will follow later.
He said: “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.
"She is the ultimate trailblazer for this amazing sport. She is a living legend."
The London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist and two-weight queen of boxing will have her fairytale finale in front of over 80,000 supporters.
It will be the first time a professional boxing event has been staged at the historic Gaelic grounds since the late Muhammad Ali famously fought Detroit heavyweight Alvin ‘Blue' Lewis back in 1972.
Tickets will be released on sale next Friday, June 12th, via Ticketmaster and will be priced from €38.70, with Family ticket packages priced at €125.50.
