Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili

Katie Taylor finally gets Croke Park, the belts are on the table, and the whole of Ireland will be roaring her down that ring walk. Lovely story, yes. But boxing doesn’t care about fairy tales once the first jab lands.

Taylor is the finished article: fast feet, sharp hands, excellent rhythm, and that old amateur brain that sees openings before they’re there. She’s not a banger, but she’s a thief in there, steals angles, steals distance, steals rounds.

Flora Pili comes in unbeaten, young, hungry, and with nothing to lose. That makes her lively. She’ll be strong, ambitious, and she’ll try to make Katie feel 39 years old by pressing her, leaning on her, and turning it into a hard night’s graft.

Taylor’s advantage is tempo. If she gets in, throws in clusters, and spins off, Pili will be chasing shadows. Pili’s chance is to crowd her, rough her up, and stop Katie from resetting her feet.

Prediction: Pili has a go, but Taylor’s craft and engine carry her through. Taylor on points, clear but competitive.