On Saturday September 5 Katie Taylor will step into the ring for the fight of her life against Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans in Croke Park.
A legendary fighter, an iconic venue and a moment that will live forever in the minds of those who witness this momentous Irish sporting event.
RTÉ has announced today that RTÉ Sport have secured the rights to air the fight, free to air, for Irish audiences on RTÉ 2, RTÉ Player and 2FM.
Topping off a sizzling summer of sport which featured extensive World Cup, GAA and European Athletics and Swimming coverage RTÉ will be there to capture all the action in the ring – every hook, every jab, every step of the way.
RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett said, “RTÉ was there at the start of Katie’s journey as an amateur and we are delighted to be there for the final chapter.
“Katie is, and always will be, one of Ireland’s greatest ever sporting icons and it is fitting that she ends her illustrious career in Croke Park in front of a full stadium and a national audience.”
Against the iconic backdrop of the home of the GAA, Katie will defend her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles and fight for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight Championship in a historic clash against France’s undefeated Flora Pili.
The legendary London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist and two-weight queen of boxing (25-1, 6 KOs) returns to her home turf for what promises to be a memorable night as Katie makes a bid to become a three-time undisputed champion of the world.
The last time a professional boxing event was staged in Croke Park was July 1972 when Muhammed Ali famously took on Detroit heavyweight Al “Blue” Lewis in front of an audience of 17,000 people.
In footage recently released on her Instagram account, Taylor revealed she would have fought in Croke Park for free:
“Look at the life that (boxing) has given me and look at the memories that it’s given me.
“I just wanted to elevate the sport and pursue my passion and this is what I love to do.
This is what I was born for and I’ve had a chance to headline these iconic arenas and be involved in these iconic fights. Just to open the door for the next generation of female fighters, that to me is everything. I’m just forever grateful.”
Further details of RTÉ’s coverage of the biggest fight in the history of the country will be announced in due course.