Katie Taylor will end her historic boxing career against unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili at Dublin’s Croke Park on 5 September.
The 39-year-old Irishwoman will attempt to become a three-time undisputed champion in her final appearance in the ring.
This highly anticipated bout marks the first boxing event held at the iconic Gaelic Games stadium in over five decades.
The venue last hosted a professional boxing match in July 1972 when legendary heavyweight Muhammad Ali secured a victory over Al ‘Blue’ Lewis.
Seeking historic final victory
The Olympic gold medallist has not fought since securing a clean sweep in her historic trilogy against Amanda Serrano last July.
That memorable clash at New York’s Madison Square Garden saw the Bray native successfully retain her undisputed light-welterweight world title.
Stepping into the ring with an unblemished professional record, Pili represents a formidable challenge for the retiring champion.
An iconic Dublin homecoming
A stadium bout in her home country has long been a major career ambition for Ireland’s most celebrated modern athlete.
Supporters will now have one last opportunity to witness the undisputed light-welterweight queen compete on home soil before she officially hangs up her gloves.
England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will miss Exeter Chiefs’ crucial Premiership finale and faces a race to be fit for the summer internationals after requiring surgery on a facial injury.
The 23-year-old sustained the damage during his side’s vital victory away to Leicester Tigers last week.
Consequently, the prolific back is completely ruled out of the club’s regular-season conclusion against Saracens.
His looming recovery period also raises severe doubts regarding his availability for the upcoming national team fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
Chiefs confirm surgical intervention
The Devon-based outfit released a formal medical update as part of their team news ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Saracens.
“After extensive monitoring by the Chiefs medical team and investigative scans, a decision has been made in partnership with England Rugby for Feyi-Waboso to undergo surgery.”
Curiously, director of rugby Rob Baxter had omitted any mention of the impending operation during his routine pre-match media briefing on Thursday morning.
Another setback for the rising star
This latest physical blow marks the second major layoff of the calendar year for the dynamic attacker.
The highly rated youngster previously missed the entirety of the Six Nations championship after suffering a hamstring tear during a national training camp in early February.
Furthermore, his previous domestic campaign was prematurely ended during the second half of the season due to a severe shoulder problem.
Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension to remain as Ireland head coach until the conclusion of the 2031 World Cup in the United States.
The Englishman’s previous deal was set to expire after the 2027 tournament, but he has now firmly committed his long-term future to the national side.
Recent speculation had linked the highly-rated tactician with both the vacant England coaching job and a return to Premiership club Saracens.
Building sustained success
Since replacing Joe Schmidt in 2019, the former defence coach has overseen a highly successful era featuring two Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, and four Triple Crowns.
His impressive tenure has solidified the squad’s status as a consistently dominant force in northern hemisphere rugby.
“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish Rugby.”
The veteran manager highlighted the increasing strength of provincial systems and age-grade pathways as key motivating factors.
“There is a real confidence in the system that has been built across the provinces and age-grade programmes, and I believe with sustained effort that the best is yet to come.”
Quashing club return rumours
Earlier this year, the 49-year-old dismissed reports of an imminent return to his former domestic employers, describing the gossip as people putting two and two together to make five.
Alongside his Irish duties, the respected leader successfully guided the British and Irish Lions to a 2-1 series victory in Australia last year.
Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Kevin Potts praised the extension as a crucial move for the sport’s growth across the country.
“He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world.”
World number one Nelly Korda endured a difficult start to the US Women’s Open, shooting a two-over-par 73 as South Korea’s Sei Young Kim set the early pace at Riviera Country Club.
The American trails the early leader by six shots after struggling to find the fairway off the tee during her opening round on Thursday.
Kim, who won the Women’s PGA Championship in 2020, carded a brilliant four-under 67 to take a one-shot lead over the chasing pack.
Korda puzzled by swing struggles
The reigning Chevron Championship winner admitted she was surprised by her sudden loss of form.
Korda has been in dominant touch this season, finishing no worse than tied-eighth in 10 of her last 11 global appearances.
However, after making consecutive bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes, the pre-tournament favourite could never recover her momentum.
“I honestly just hit it really poorly off the tee,” the 27-year-old explained.
“Found myself in a lot of trouble on the wrong sides of a lot of these pins. I just felt like I was grinding to make safe pars.”
“It wasn’t a great day. I hit it really good Monday through Wednesday, so I have honestly no idea where this came from.”
Kim shines as challengers emerge
While the world’s top-ranked player searches for answers on the practice range, the South Korean pacesetter thrived on the challenging layout.
Kim started and finished her round strongly, carding back-to-back birdies early on before adding three successive birdies on her back nine.
She holds a slender advantage over compatriots Hyunjo Yoo and Ina Yoon, alongside Mexico’s Gaby Lopez.
Lopez had threatened to post an even lower score, reaching six under par after 10 holes before fading with three late bogeys.
British and Irish hopes falter
It proved to be a frustrating opening day for the European contingent competing in California.
England’s Lottie Woad mirrored Korda’s scoring difficulties, signing for a two-over 73.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Leona Maguire faces an uphill battle to make the weekend cut after battling to a five-over-par 76.
Rory McIlroy recovered from early tee-shot struggles to card a one-under-par opening round of 71 at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio.
The reigning Masters champion is making only his sixth regular PGA Tour appearance of the year at Muirfield.
The prestigious event is famously hosted by 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus.
Early water hazard and recovery
The Northern Irishman’s round was immediately hampered by a double bogey on the third hole after his ball found the water.
He quickly responded with a superb run of three consecutive birdies to reach the turn at one under par.
The world number two was forced into a difficult recovery on the 13th following a hooked tee-shot deep into the left rough.
He managed to save par before a pinpoint approach to within two feet on the 14th set up another crucial birdie.
Hospitality tent deflection
The 37-year-old experienced further drama on the par-five 15th when his second shot bounced off a Nicklaus Club tent.
He chipped up safely to the edge of the green to secure his par.
A final wayward drive on the 18th narrowly missed the water but led to a dropped shot, leaving him four strokes off the pace.
I felt like I played pretty well, for the most part, especially after making that double bogey on the third hole.
I would like to hit a few more fairways, give myself a few more chances from the short grass, but overall, not a bad score to build from.
Fleetwood claims share of lead
Tommy Fleetwood set the clubhouse lead at five under par alongside American pair Wyndham Clark and JJ Spaun.
Canada’s Nick Taylor sits one shot back, while Justin Rose and Ireland’s Shane Lowry are further down the leaderboard.
McIlroy continues to manage his schedule carefully ahead of the upcoming US Open at Shinnecock Hills in New York.
Legendary Ireland and British and Irish Lions flanker Fergus Slattery has died at the age of 77 following a decorated rugby union career.
The outstanding back-row forward earned 61 caps for his country and captained the national side on 18 occasions.
He cemented his legacy during the historic unbeaten Lions tour of South Africa in 1974.
The dynamic openside started all four Tests on that famous trip, operating in a fearsome trio alongside England’s Roger Uttley and Mervyn Davies of Wales.
A defining figure in Irish sport
News of his passing was confirmed by Blackrock College RFC, where the Dublin-born forward spent the vast majority of his club days.
The local club released a heartfelt statement describing the former player as one of their greatest sons.
There are players who wear a jersey, and there are players who define it. Fergus defined ours.
The revered international made his debut for Ireland in 1970 and became an integral part of the team’s success over the following decade.
Triple Crown success and Barbarians folklore
He was a central pillar in the Irish sides that secured prestigious Triple Crown victories in 1982 and 1985.
Operating alongside fellow Lions Willie Duggan and John O’Driscoll, the trio formed one of the finest back rows Irish sport has ever witnessed.
Beyond international duty, the tireless competitor represented the Barbarians 18 times during his illustrious playing career.
He famously featured in the legendary 1973 exhibition match against the All Blacks in Cardiff, scoring a memorable try in what is widely considered one of the greatest games ever played.
Hall of Fame legacy
His early rugby education began at Blackrock College, and he briefly represented University College Dublin before returning to his roots.
The former national captain was officially recognised for his immense contribution to the sport when he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.
He is survived by his wife Margo and their children Nikki and Cameron.
Former Scotland international Alan Brazil has revealed his heart temporarily stopped beating during a recent life-saving liver transplant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
The TalkSPORT presenter has been absent from his morning radio show for several months following severe health issues.
The 66-year-old recently provided listeners with a positive update regarding his ongoing recovery process.
“I’m still here! Gradually every day improving. I’m looking forward to getting back,” he announced.
Road to recovery
The former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur forward spent several hours on the operating table.
Medical staff at the Cambridge-based facility successfully resuscitated the Glaswegian after he suffered a cardiac event during the complex procedure.
“It’s our age I’m afraid. I cocked it and thank God, luckily, the guys at Addenbrooke’s Hospital saved my life,” he explained.
The veteran broadcaster hopes to return to the airwaves within the next two to three weeks.
Focusing on football
Live sport has provided a crucial source of motivation during this lengthy rehabilitation period.
The ex-Ipswich Town star specifically mentioned his excitement about discussing Scottish Premiership fixtures and international tournaments alongside colleagues Ally McCoist and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
“So much sport has been going on and it’s really kept me going to be honest,” he added.
Prior to this major surgery, the popular radio personality had previously missed time on air earlier in the year due to a severe ear infection.
Undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor is set to face unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili in a farewell bout expected to take place at Croke Park in Dublin.
The 39-year-old Irish icon will officially announce her final fight on Friday as she aims to unify all four major division belts once again.
Ahead of the formal declaration, the WBC appears to have inadvertently confirmed the opponent by ordering a clash with the mandatory challenger.
Chance for third undisputed crown
Pili boasts a flawless 12-0 professional record and is currently the top-ranked contender for the vacant WBC title.
That specific belt became available after reigning champion Sandy Ryan announced her pregnancy and was subsequently named ‘Champion in Recess’.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist previously held the WBC strap but vacated it in 2025 during a brief hiatus from the sport.
Regaining the title would allow the Bray native to become an undisputed champion for an unprecedented third time before retiring.
Croke Park dream edges closer
While the exact date and venue await final confirmation, immense momentum is building behind an 80,000-capacity event in the Irish capital.
Staging a bout at the historic Gaelic games stadium has long been the ultimate ambition for the two-weight undisputed champion.
Promoter Eddie Hearn admitted that negotiations for the venue are not entirely finalised but stressed the collective determination to overcome any remaining hurdles.
“This moment of watching her walking through the tunnel of Croke Park, in front of 80,000 people, would the biggest female event of all time,” Hearn said.
“The absolute pinnacle of this woman’s life, who has given every ounce of her soul to her country, to her sport, to break down barriers and to pave the way for every female fighter of her generation.”
An official press conference is scheduled for Friday where the final details of the historic showcase are expected to be revealed.