Katie Taylor beats Flora Pili by unanimous decision to retire as a three-time undisputed world champion

Katie Taylor bowed out of boxing on a high after beating Flora Pili to retire as a three-time undisputed world champion in front of a devoted Croke Park crowd.

The 40-year-old Irishwoman proved too good for Pili, who was unbeaten going into the fight, as she added the vacant WBC belt to her WBA, WBO and IBF light-welterweight titles.

Taylor won by unanimous decision against her French opponent, winning on the judges’ scorecards 100-90, 100-90 and 98-91.

The victory concluded a stunning career for Taylor who retires from the sport with a record of 26 wins and just one defeat.

‘We did it. We brought boxing back to Croke Park,’ she said to her fans at the iconic Dublin venue post-fight.

‘You were with me in London 2012, you were with me with the heartbreak of Rio. You stayed with me when I turned pro,’ Taylor said.

‘I don’t know any other country that would sell 80,000 tickets for a female athlete. I’m convinced Ireland is the only country.’