Katie Taylor Announces Flora Pili as Opponent for Final Fight

Renowned boxing champion Katie Taylor has finalized her opponent for her retirement match, choosing not to face Holly Holm. Instead, the Irish fighter will take on France's Flora Pili in Dublin on September 5. This decision comes after Holm's controversial defeat to Stephanie Han on May 30, prompting speculation about her next steps in the sport.

At a press event on Friday, Taylor stated, “This is going to be the most iconic moment of my career. … This is just the perfect way to end my career.” The matchup with Pili (12-0, two KOs) was sanctioned by the World Boxing Council as a contest for the interim super lightweight (140-pound) title. Pili, currently the top contender, will vie for the title against Taylor (25-1, five KOs), who also holds other significant titles in the division.

Before Holm's recent loss, many believed that a showdown between her and Taylor—both of whom have made significant contributions to boxing—was on the horizon. Reports suggested Holm and Chantelle Cameron, who handed Taylor her only professional defeat, were among the contenders for Taylor’s farewell bout. However, the announcement of Pili as Taylor's opponent shifts the focus away from Holm.

Matchroom Boxing, led by Eddie Hearn, will promote the upcoming fight. Hearn has a long-standing relationship with Taylor, having signed her shortly after her Olympic gold medal win in 2012. Meanwhile, Holm, who has one fight remaining on her contract with Most Valuable Promotions, may consider returning to MMA for her next career move, especially given the ongoing discussions about a potential rematch with Ronda Rousey.

Despite the disappointment surrounding her recent fight, Holm expressed her desire for a significant matchup, stating, “I still want the big fight.” Meanwhile, Han, who remains undefeated at 13-0, is likely headed toward a title unification bout against Caroline DuBois, who has also expressed interest in facing Taylor in the past.