Katie Taylor bows out as three-time undisputed champion | OneFootball

Katie Taylor brought her remarkable boxing career to a close in front of 80,000 jubilant fans at Croke Park, bowing out as a three-time undisputed world champion.

The Bray native produced a dominant performance against unbeaten Flora Pili, securing a points victory to claim the vacant WBC light-welterweight title and complete an extraordinary final chapter.

Taylor finishes her career with 26 victories from 27 professional contests, having established herself as one of Ireland's greatest sporting figures.

The 40-year-old's farewell in Dublin was a night of celebration, spectacle and music, with Croke Park providing a fitting stage for the final appearance of a fighter who has transformed women's boxing.

And among the many supporters celebrating Taylor's achievements were Leeds United fans, with the former Republic of Ireland footballer having long spoken about her affection for the Whites.

Appearing on Soccer AM in 2019, Taylor revealed the origins of her Leeds connection.

"My team is actually Leeds United.

"My dad is from Leeds and my older two brothers grew up supporting Leeds as well. Every Christmas we would get Leeds jerseys for Christmas and football boots. I was a huge football fan growing up."

Taylor has previously described her visits to Elland Road as "some of my best memories as a kid", while her love of the club has remained throughout her hugely successful boxing career.

That connection was strengthened in 2021 when Taylor brought her world championship belts to Leeds, successfully defending her titles against Jennifer Han at Headingley Stadium.

Now, five years on from her night in Leeds, Taylor has called time on a career which saw her become a three-time undisputed world champion and one of the most influential figures in the history of women's sport.

Her final victory over Pili ensured she departed the sport on her own terms, adding another world title to a glittering collection before receiving the farewell she deserved in front of 80,000 fans at Croke Park.

From the football pitches of Ireland to the biggest stages in boxing, Taylor's journey has been extraordinary.

And for Leeds United supporters, she will always be remembered as one of their own.