Tyson Fury and Claressa Shields lead tributes to Katie Taylor after fairytale farewell fight: ‘Best to ever do it’

There wasn’t a dry eye in Croke Park on Saturday night as Katie Taylor bid farewell to boxing in front of 83,000 adoring fans.

After years of campaigning for a fight at the home of the Gaelic Games, the Irish boxing legend got her wish, closing out her career in style with a dominant unanimous decision win over Flora Pili to become a three-time undisputed champion.

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It marked a fitting send-off for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer, who soaked up the applause as she made one last lap around the ring before placing her gloves in the centre of the canvas.

Long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, who has worked with Taylor for her entire 27-fight (26-1) professional career, was so overcome with emotion that his voice quivered as he delivered a heartfelt tribute in the ring.

“We are here for one person, a woman who refused to take no for an answer, who banged on every door, who worked her whole life and walked with faith,” he said with tears in his eyes.

“She is the most inspirational person I have ever met; she is the greatest Irish sportsperson of all time, and she made this happen.”

Hearn wasn’t alone in paying homage to the consensus greatest female boxer of all time.

Many of sport’s biggest names congratulated Taylor on an iconic career.

Claressa Shields – three-weight undisputed champion

Taking to social media after Taylor got her hand raised, Shields wrote: “Congrats Katie!!!!!! Now ride off into the sunset. The fighting Irish! You deserve it all!!!!!!!!!

“83,000. Setting the bar so high!!!! Congrats Katieeee, wow!!!!!”

Tyson Fury – two-time heavyweight world champion

Fury uploaded a picture of Taylor on his Instagram story with the short and sweet caption: “The best to ever do it.”

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Deirdre Gogarty – Irish women’s boxing legend and former featherweight world champion

The women’s boxing pioneer who inspired Taylor to take up the sport, Deirdre Gogarty, joined talkSPORT Breakfast on Sunday morning after witnessing Taylor compete one last time in the flesh.

“What a moment! I wish I could keep reliving it in real-time over and over,” said Gogarty.

“I’m not surprised at all that she dominated the fight; she always seems to top one performance after the other.

“But I’m also really glad that she is retiring. I mean, 40 is quite an age to be fighting at any level.

“So I’m really glad she can retire and maybe not do any more damage to her body because that is a lot of wear and tear…

“I went into the Drogheda Boxing Club this week, and it was absolutely packed, and half of the kids were girls.

“They are just as much part of it as the boys now, because Katie has given girls permission to dream.”

Barry McGuigan – Hall of Famer and former featherweight world champion

“Katie Taylor, congratulations on an outstanding career,” Tweeted one of Ireland’s greatest boxers, McGuigan.

“Great way to finish with a clear win in a packed-out Croke Park.”

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Pete Taylor – Katie Taylor’s dad and former trainer

Proud dad Pete Taylor was lost for words when he spoke to RTE post-fight: “What can you say? Unbelievable, the end of an era, the end of a big legacy, brilliant.

“What a send-off. I just want to thank everyone [for turning up]. Unbelievable.”

Mikaela Mayer – Three-weight world champion

“What an honor to be ringside calling Katie Taylor’s last fight,” wrote Mayer on X after working on the DAZN panel for Taylor’s fairytale farewell.

“The greatest exit boxing will ever witness. Enjoy the next chapter, Katie Taylor.”

Top Rank

Alycia Baumgardner – Former undisputed super featherweight champion

“What a moment to witness. A trailblazer who helped set the stage for all of us,” posted Baumgardner.

“83K people showed up to see a champion, but more importantly, a powerful woman who represents our sport in a way that inspires and motivates me too. Congratulations, Katie Taylor.

“It’s been a privilege watching your journey from the beginning. What a legacy. Happy retirement.”

Caroline Dubois – WBC and WBO lightweight champion

“Wow! @KatieTaylor, one of the best to ever do it!” Dubois tweeted.

“Thank you so much for paving the way, wishing you happiness, success and joy for this next season. Enjoy it.”

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