Boxing
Who can help fill Taylor void to fly Irish flag on world stage?
Garcia vs. Benn live on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Katie Taylor brought her glittering career to a triumphant close on Saturday night in front of 80,000-plus fans at Croke Park.
'The Bray Bomber' wrapped her time in the ring as undisputed super-lightweight champion with a triumph against Flora Pili.
One last victory for Taylor has helped see off one of the nation's greatest sporting stars into the sunset for a fairytale finish.
But it also opens the door for another figure to take her place as Ireland's biggest boxing flagbearer on the world stage too.
Taylor retires with final victory;
WATCH: Star salutes Croke Park with Pili triumph
Several leading contenders already have their hands on world titles, or are close to a shot - so just who could emulate her?
DAZN News profiles some of the key figures near the top, as they look to step into Taylor's shoes and match her fine feats.
Anto Cacace
The Belfast-born star has a claim to a feat few of his fellow countrymen can, having already earned two-time champion status.
Formerly IBF super-featherweight champion before vacating, Cacace earned the WBA belt over Jazza Dickens back in March.
Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
He will defend it against former featherweight kingpin Nick Ball in what will be a gripping hometown encounter this December.
Aaron McKenna
Ireland's newest world champion, 'Silencer' ended a year-plus exodus from the ring in style last month against Etinosa Oliha.
Victory in Dublin was enough to earn the IBF middleweight belt, and with it, his elevation into the nation's history books too.
McKenna is currently mulling his next option, though a unification bid to meet WBO holder Denzel Bentley has been blocked.
Callum Walsh
Making major waves on the same card where McKenna stepped up to the summit, 'King' hopes to earn his own throne soon.
Getty Images
His own middleweight success against Tyler Denny further underlined his prowess, with high hopes for a title chance as well.
Ranked by the WBC, WBO and IBF, there are several pathways in play for Walsh. Fans will watch this space keenly for now.
Paddy Donovan
Arguably the biggest star attraction on Taylor's farewell undercard, the ex-welterweight challenger is building another title bid.
Having missed out on the IBF strap against Lewis Crocker last year at Windsor Park, Donovan has reaffirmed his power since.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
The leading contender to Australian Liam Paro for the same belt now, 'The Real Deal' certainly has the pedigree for success.
Pierce O'Leary
'Big Bang' saw his stock take quite the blow after a first career loss against Mark Chamberlain on home soil early last month.
But O'Leary's supporters and backers still believe, with age on his side, that the star can rebound to reach the summit again.
Whether remaining at super-lightweight or a move to welterweight is the next course of action could prove critical to his hopes.
Watch Garcia vs. Benn on DAZN
Britain's Conor Benn looks to become a world champion for the first time against US superstar Ryan Garcia on Saturday, September 12.
Watch the fight exclusively in the UK & Ireland and other territories (check for availability) on DAZN PPV or included in our Ultimate Tier subscription.
