Katie Taylor insists that the most important thing on Saturday night is to get her hand raised in victory one last time.
The Irish legend will aim to become undisputed super-lightweight champion in her final bout against undefeated Frenchwoman Flora Pili in a sold-out Croke Park, although the event is also a chance for the public to thank her for her ground-breaking career.
‘The most important thing is that I get my hand raised, and in training camp, it has been business as per usual for me,’ Taylor said at the press conference on Tuesday that started the build-up to the fight that will include a weigh-in in Trinity College on Friday.
Katie knows the reception she will get from the Croker crowd is unlike anything that she will have experienced before, but there is a job at hand. ‘I have a real live opponent in front of me; it’s not going to be a walk in the park,’ she said.
On Tuesday, Katie marked the last time that she will have to stare down an opponent in the centre of the stage. After facing each other, the two fighters caught each other in a warm embrace.
Flora Pili, who had her plaits dyed in the blue, white and red of le tricolore, seemed chuffed by her opponent greeting her like an old friend.
Emotions will surely be running high on Saturday, with Katie aware that it is a historical moment but says she is trying not to dwell on how meaningful the bout will be while prepping.
She said: ‘I’m not trying to reflect too much on it because I do have a job to do and it is too dangerous a sport to have your mind in the ring and your heart out of it. I have a job to do, and I’m very much focused on the job.
‘But I have allowed myself to think about it a little bit over the last while, just thinking about the last three years in the ring, all the amazing sparring partners, having the chance to headline all these amazing arenas.
‘Now I have a chance to end my career in my dream venue in Croke Park; this really is beyond my wildest dreams.’
True reflection will begin on Sunday. Katie said: ‘I think it’s actually hard to prepare yourself for a moment like this. I’ve obviously never experienced it, walking down in front of 80,000 people, hearing the Olé, Olé, Olés one last time, seeing the tricolours around the place.
‘I’m not sure how I’m going to feel. But I’m praying that God will give me what it takes to actually control my emotions on the night. It’s going to be such a special night, a remarkable night.
‘But I’m just going to go into the ring, focus on the fight and there’ll be enough time to reflect afterwards. But I obviously wouldn’t be human if I didn’t think about it at all.
‘I’m imagining all the thousands of stories from the little girls who are at a boxing event for the first time on Saturday evening. In my mind’s eye, I’m imagining that one of those girls might fall in love with this beautiful sport and might even surpass my achievements.’
‘That’s what legacy is all about. Just because of one amazing September day in Croke Park, they caught a dream. I cannot wait to hear those stories,’ she said.
