Mayo's Croke Park exploits not lost on Taylor

Katie Taylor on the Croke Park pitch at half-time in this year's Leinster hurling final

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Taylor will take on Flora Pili at Croke Park on 5 September

ByDavid MohanBBC Sport NI journalist

Published47 minutes ago

Katie Taylor admits she got a little "nervous" watching clips of Mayo celebrating their thrilling All-Ireland football final win over Kerry on Sunday.

It was a highly emotional afternoon at Croke Park as Mayo ended their 75-year wait for Sam Maguire success and with Taylor headlining the famous Dublin stadium for her fighting farewell against Flora Pili on 5 September, it is set to be another unforgettable night in Irish sport.

Having been part of some groundbreaking nights throughout her career which saw her win all there is to win as an amateur and professional, Taylor has one more box to tick and will do so against Pili with the undisputed light-welterweight championship on offer.

It was a day of unbridled joy for Mayo at the venue on Sunday as they ended a run of 11-straight defeats in the final since 1951, an occasion that has transcended Gaelic games and for Taylor, it has served as a reminded for her own big crossover night to come.

"I'm seeing the reaction of the Mayo supporters and it's remarkable to watch," the two-division undisputed champion said.

"It's been an amazing few days even watching the clips from that game and the reaction of the Mayo supporters - I'm delighted for them. The 75-year curse is over.

"I was watching a clip this morning and was thinking 'I can't believe I'm headlining here in a few weeks' with the noise, the atmosphere and how electric the stadium is.

"I actually had to turn the clip off as I was getting a bit nervous looking at the Mayo players celebrating and the emotions of everyone. Sport is so special."

'I'm enjoying my last training camp'

Katie Taylor trains with head coach Ross Enamait

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Taylor is back in camp with head coach Ross Enamait

With her last dance just weekend away, Taylor is deep in camp with head coach Ross Enamait.

For a fighter, the daily grind in preparation for such a big night can be gruelling, but with this being the last time she go through it all, Taylor says she is "actually enjoying training camp this time".

"I said to my coach a few weeks ago when we started the camp that it would be the last time we're in the gym together so we should enjoy it," she continued.

"I am giving it my all one last time.

"Training camp is tough as it always is - I put my body through the trenches to prepare for a huge battle, but I am definitely looking forward to just enjoying my life after sport as it's all been one big training camp, so I will look forward to relaxing after this fight."