Full Breakdown
Eddie Hearn Asserts Katie Taylor Must Headline Farewell Fight at Croke Park
4/16/2026, 7:56:27 PM
Core Event: Katie Taylor's Anticipated Farewell Fight
Katie Taylor, a two-weight undisputed world champion, is in discussions to stage her farewell boxing match at Croke Park in Dublin this summer. Promoter Eddie Hearn has firmly stated that Taylor deserves to headline this event, ruling out any possibility of her fighting on an undercard, particularly in conjunction with the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Background & Context: Taylor's Career and Croke Park Aspirations
Katie Taylor, who turns 40 in July, has long expressed a desire to fight at Croke Park, a venue that holds significant cultural importance in Ireland. Hearn's commitment to securing this fight comes as Taylor approaches the end of her illustrious career, which includes an Olympic gold medal in 2012 and multiple world titles across various weight divisions. The discussions with Croke Park officials are crucial as they explore the logistics of hosting this significant event.
Eddie Hearn's Position on Venue and Scheduling
Eddie Hearn is scheduled to meet with Croke Park officials to finalize arrangements for Taylor's fight. He has emphasized that if the Joshua versus Fury bout takes place in November, Croke Park would not be suitable for Taylor's farewell fight. Hearn stated, “If this (Joshua v Fury) takes place in November, it won’t be outdoors in Dublin and so therefore we just want to move forward with Katie Taylor.” He also expressed strong opposition to the idea of Taylor appearing on an undercard, asserting, “Absolutely over my dead body is Katie Taylor going on an undercard at Croke Park.”
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Scheduling
While Hearn's statements reflect a strong commitment to Taylor's headlining status, there are concerns regarding the scheduling of the Joshua-Fury fight, which could overshadow Taylor's event. Croke Park chief executive Peter McKenna had suggested that the venue could host Taylor's fight if it also secured the rights to the heavyweight clash. Hearn's frustration with this suggestion was evident when he remarked, “Croke Park want to do it, but when they said ‘Fury v AJ would give Katie the opportunity to fight there’, I was like ‘mate, don’t f****** get the blood boiling.’”
What's Next: Finalizing the Fight Details
As negotiations continue, Hearn has indicated readiness to move forward with the event, even without a finalized opponent for Taylor. The discussions are set to take place on Friday, with Hearn and Taylor's management team eager to finalize the details for what is expected to be a historic farewell bout for the acclaimed boxer.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Also, absolutely over my dead body is Katie Taylor going on an undercard at Croke Park.” — Eddie Hearn, Promoter
- “If this (Joshua v Fury) takes place in November, it won’t be outdoors in Dublin and so therefore we just want to move forward with Katie Taylor.” — Eddie Hearn, Promoter
- “Croke Park want to do it, but when they said ‘Fury v AJ would give Katie the opportunity to fight there’, I was like ‘mate, don’t f****** get the blood boiling’.” — Eddie Hearn, Promoter
This anticipated farewell fight represents a significant moment in Katie Taylor's career, and the outcome of the ongoing negotiations will determine the venue and format of this pivotal event.
