(SEPT 2) DUBLIN, IRELAND —Katie Taylor provided a glimpse of her remarkable boxing legacy on Wednesday evening. She closed her last-ever open workout at The Helix with a deeply emotional, viral moment that captured her status as the ultimate ambassador for women's sports.

Before upwards of 80,000 fans pack out Dublin’s iconic Croke Park stadium this Saturday night, Taylor completed her final public training blocks ahead of her undisputed light-welterweight world title defense against unbeaten French champion Flora Pili.

After moving sharply through a pad-work routine with trainer Ross Enamait, Taylor brought her session to an unforgettable end by calling out 10-year-old Clodagh Keating from the crowd.

Clodagh, a young Dublin fan learning the basics of the sport in classes, was instantly overcome with emotion and wept tears of joy as she stepped through the ropes.

Taylor personally laced a boxing glove onto the young girl's hand. She then stepped back to gently coach her through a moving sparring demonstration, encouraging Clodagh to fire off shots directly against Taylor's own gloves to the roaring delight of the arena audience.

"Getting the chance to meet little Clodagh there, who got into the ring, this is what it's all about for me," Taylor stated afterward. "In a few days, I’m going to be making my last ring walk, looking back on an amazing 30 years in the ring. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude."

Facing a perfect, 12-0 European and IBO champion in Pili, Taylor made it absolutely clear she is treating this historic homecoming as a stern combat test rather than a ceremonial victory lap.

"I'm still pinching myself that this is actually happening," Taylor shared, marveling at the magnitude of the Croke Park event.

"I'm looking no further than my opponent. I know what I will be up against. This is a real, real fight on Saturday."

What stood out most to WBAN throughout the final fight week of her professional career was Taylor's unparalleled reputation for class. Throughout her entire legendary journey,

Taylor  built her legacy purely on exceptional ring skills, an unmatched work ethic, and fierce determination. She has single-handedly elevated women's boxing to heights once deemed impossible by letting her fists do the talking.  

By showing the utmost respect to Flora Pili while mentoring the next wave of female fighters like Clodagh, Taylor continues to set the gold standard for what a sporting ambassador should be.

WBAN / IWBHF
WBAN Instagram
WBAN Facebook

WBAN / IWBHF WEBSITES
www.womensboxing.org
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
WBAN's Group Facebook