Tears, blood & triumph - Taylor's iconic career in pictures

Katie Taylor's boxing career was filled with tears, blood and triumph. The Irish athlete made her amateur debut in 2001, winning every medal and title she could. She helped legalize women's boxing in Ireland and competed in the first sanctioned female fight in 2001, aged just 15. Taylor's father, Peter, was her long-time coach and was there to celebrate her achievements, including five world championships as an amateur and Olympic gold in London in 2012.

She was one of 15 Irish athletes to win gold at an Olympics and the only Irish gold medallist in 2012. After turning professional in 2016, Taylor quickly signed with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, making her the first female fighter he signed. In 2019, Taylor aimed to become Ireland's first four-belt world champion at Madison Square Garden but was almost beaten by Delfine Persoon.

She returned to MSG in 2022, facing Amanda Serrano in a 10-round classic, which ended in a split decision points win. Despite the devastation, Taylor bounced back in her rematch with Serrano in Dublin six months later, becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. Over the years, Taylor had numerous famous visitors to her dressing room and returned to boxing in 2024, fighting Serrano again in Texas.

The two produced another classic, decided on the smallest of margins, with Taylor prevailing. Despite her success, Taylor wanted to close out her trilogy with a clean sweep at Dublin's iconic Croke Park, which she achieved in her final ringwalk in front of over 80,000 fans.