WBC “confirm” Taylor’s next fight will be for vacant world title.
Katie Taylor is undoubtedly one of the greatest women’s boxers to ever live. A superstar who brought many more eyes to the female side of the sport, she has only enhanced her brilliance in the latter stage of her career.
Based on what we’ve been told, that career is set to come to an end this year, one way or the other. The Irishwoman will be 40 next month, and she will reportedly be having her final fight towards the end of 2026.
This fight has been earmarked for Dublin’s Croke Park, and recent statements indicate that it may well be made official for September in the next week or so.
While the location and rough date are known, Taylor’s opponent is not. And while there has been plenty of speculation, there has been nothing even strongly rumoured regarding who she could be facing.
Though there has now been a very interesting development.
Following Sandy Ryan’s pregnancy, the WBC have decided to make her champion-in-recess. As a result, the organisation has now stated that their super-lightweight championship will be fought for by Katie Taylor.
In a social media post, the governing body stated, “The WBC is hereby confirming Emeritus Champion Katie Taylor to fight Flora Pili for the vacant WBC super-lightweight championship.”
Taylor was previously named Emeritus Champion after vacating her WBC title in September. She still holds the unified crown at the weight.
Flora Pili is an unbeaten French contender whose name will be unfamiliar to many of Taylor’s fans. Never having fought out of her home country, Pili won the IBO super-lightweight title when she last fought in December.
It is currently unclear if Taylor vs. Pili is the fight set to take place at Croke Park, but if it is, it will give Taylor the opportunity to exit the sport as undisputed world champion.
Update! 💜🚨
The WBC congratulates Sandy Ryan on her pregnancy and wishes her all the best. As Champion in Recess, she will always have the support of the WBC during this process.
The vacant WBC Women’s Super Lightweight Title will be disputed by Katie Taylor & Flora Pili. pic.twitter.com/ymoi7WmGo6
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) June 1, 2026
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