Keys to Victory: How will Katie Taylor's final fight be decided?

Tonight the Irish superstar and women’s boxing pioneer has her final fight, putting her unified super lightweight titles on the line and vying for the vacant WBC strap against France’s Flora Pili from Dublin’s famed Croke Park, and live on DAZN worldwide.

At 40 and on the brink of retirement, Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) is about to walk away from a women’s boxing sport that she leaves in better shape than when she began her pro career back in 2016.

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'This is bigger than sport'

Hearn interviews Taylor ahead of Croke Park farewell

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The icon will exit the sport having accomplished everything she set out to, having defeated fellow stars such as seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano three times, Chantelle Cameron, and Delfine Persoon twice just to name a few as part of her journey.

Over 80,000 fans are expected at Croke Park to send the Bray warrior off following a brilliant career. Taylor faces an undefeated Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) who has fought nearly all her bouts in her native France and has never competed on a massive stage quite like this.

Will Taylor end her boxing journey at Croke Park by once again tasting undisputed super lightweight glory? Or will Pili somehow manage to spoil her homecoming retirement party? With the boxing world watching, DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory for both Taylor and Pili in the former's final stand.

Katie Taylor’s Keys to Victory

Take the time to appreciate the moment

When Taylor and Amanda Serrano were receiving their final fight instructions in front of a sold-out Madison Square Garden for their historic April 2022 headlining bout, Serrano mouthed the words “this is crazy” to her rival. In that sequence, Serrano was taking the seconds out to appreciate the moment. And it didn’t stop the Puerto Rican fighter from producing a great fight, pushing Taylor to the brink.

Similarly, in this her final dance, Taylor should take the time to appreciate the moment in front of the 80,000-plus fans expected. It could be brief, but doing this will allow the Irish sensation to take that deep breath in and exhale before engaging in the fight with Flora Pili.

Get an early start to make Pili feel the pressure

The best way for Taylor to assert her dominance and experience in one shot would be for the boxing icon to establish the jab. Landing the stick flush with poise will allow Taylor to send the message that even in her final fight, this is going to be her ring and there’s nothing Pili could do about it. After all, Taylor has always been the consummate ring general.

Pick Pili off in traffic

Pili is not shy about engaging in fire-fight sequences and she’s had success with these exchanges. That said, the French fighter also has a penchant of wildly attempting shots that have her overextending or missing altogether.

Taylor can possibly end her career with a knockout victory if she can properly time Pili during these moments with a stiff counter, which should come via hooks. Just imagine that final bow following a walk-off knockout to retirement.

Flora Pili’s Keys to Victory

Keep composure

Pili is undefeated, but has fought all but two of her dozen pro fights in her native France. She has never faced the quality of opponents like Taylor has and on a world stage quite like Croke Park. Clashing with Taylor in the boxing superstar's last fight in front of 80,000-plus fans is more than enough to overwhelm even a savvy veteran.

It’s easier said than done, but Pili must find a way to keep her composure and box the fight she thinks will give her the best chance at pulling off the grand upset in what would be the most memorable victory of her career.

Alternate jab between the face and body

The French fighter has a decent jab that she alternates well between the face and body. Doing this successfully could keep Taylor guessing. More importantly, these lands will keep points tallying in her favor and funneled through a disciplined, pragmatic approach.

Stay compact in the pocket

Pili is comfortable trading shots in the pocket, though her fight footage shows she can get erratic in traffic. Any overcommitments or whiffs and misses and Taylor will be there to make her pay with the kind of crisp counterpunching that she’s been executing with precision throughout her storied career.

Therefore, it is imperative that Pili remains compact with her offerings, especially when engaging in exchanges.

Who has the edge in Taylor vs. Pili?

Analysis: DAZN News’ Mark Lelinwalla

I envision nothing short of Croke Park going into the annals as not only one of the most thrilling boxing locations fans have ever witnessed, but also one of the best sports spectacles of all time. I have no doubt that Taylor will have her hand raised in her final fight.

My main inquiry is whether she’ll mash the gas pedal enough in attempt for the stoppage to appease the Irish faithful cheering on their Bray warrior. Or will Taylor be content soundly outboxing a less experienced Pili?

I’m expecting a middle road where the future lock Hall of Famer provides the oohs and ahhs in sequences before riding out a dominant unanimous decision in her swan song to close out a legendary, prolific career.

Watch Taylor vs. Pili on DAZN

Katie Taylor looks to brings her glittering career to a glorious end at Croke Park against Flora Pili this Saturday, September 5.

Watch exclusively on DAZN with a subscription. For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.