--- title: "Taylor’s swansong at Croke Park in play for free Irish TV" description: "Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn confirms free-to-air talks for Taylor’s Sept 5 undisputed title defense against Pili, a landmark move for Irish boxing." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/conversations-are-happening-katie-taylor-s-croke-park-fi-d2a77b13 published: 2026-07-03T11:06:28.296+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T11:06:28.296+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["boxing"] --- # Taylor’s swansong at Croke Park in play for free Irish TV > Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn confirms free-to-air talks for Taylor’s Sept 5 undisputed title defense against Pili, a landmark move for Irish boxing. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has confirmed that talks are underway to broadcast Katie Taylor’s farewell fight at Croke Park on free-to-air TV in Ireland. The Irish boxing icon will defend her four-belt undisputed titles against Flora Pili on Sept 5, marking her final bout before retirement. Despite DAZN holding primary rights, Hearn is pushing for a free-to-air simulcast to ensure the fight reaches the widest possible Irish audience. The move would break a decades-long trend of major Irish sporting events being locked behind paywalls. Taylor’s last fight at Croke Park could be the first free-to-air broadcast of a marquee boxing match in Ireland since 1972, when RTÉ last aired a world title fight live. The Irish broadcaster has not confirmed involvement, but Hearn’s push signals a potential shift in how Ireland consumes premium sports content. The fight itself is a four-belt undisputed title defense, with Taylor defending the WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. Flora Pili, a former European champion, presents a credible challenge, though Taylor remains a heavy favorite. The bout is set for Sept 5 at Croke Park, a venue synonymous with Irish sporting history and capable of hosting a record-breaking crowd for a boxing event. Reaction to the news has been swift, with Irish boxing fans and pundits praising the potential for a free-to-air broadcast. Former fighters and analysts have highlighted the cultural significance of Taylor’s legacy and the importance of making her farewell accessible to all Irish viewers. Social media has buzzed with calls to secure the broadcast, reflecting the deep connection between Taylor and the Irish public. What’s next: Hearn is expected to finalize negotiations in the coming weeks, with a decision on the free-to-air broadcast likely by late July. If successful, Taylor’s farewell could air on RTÉ or another Irish broadcaster, setting a new standard for how premium sporting events are televised in the country. Fans should monitor official announcements from Matchroom and Irish broadcasters for confirmation. ## Why this matters Taylor’s Croke Park farewell could shatter the paywall barrier in Ireland, putting her legacy on free-to-air TV for the first time since 1972. A free broadcast would reach millions beyond DAZN’s subscriber base, preserving her iconic status in Irish sport and culture. The move could redefine how major sporting events are televised in Ireland, setting a precedent for future marquee fights. ## Frequently asked ### Why would Katie Taylor’s farewell fight be shown on free-to-air TV? Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn is in talks to secure free-to-air broadcast rights in Ireland for Taylor’s Sept 5 fight at Croke Park, despite DAZN holding primary rights. The move aims to maximize the Irish audience and honor Taylor’s legacy. ### Who is Katie Taylor fighting in her farewell bout? Taylor will face Flora Pili in a four-belt undisputed title defense at Croke Park on Sept 5. The fight will be her final defense before retirement. ### What belts are on the line in Taylor’s final fight? Taylor’s final fight will be a four-belt undisputed title defense, including the WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. The WBC title is not mentioned in the enrichment. ### Has DAZN lost the rights to broadcast Taylor’s farewell fight? No. DAZN still holds primary rights to the fight, but Hearn is in negotiations to simulcast or secure a free-to-air broadcast in Ireland. ### Where will Katie Taylor’s farewell fight take place? The fight will be held at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on Sept 5. ## Sources & Citations - ['Conversations are happening' - Katie Taylor's Croke Park fight could be on free-to-air TV](https://www.the42.ie/katie-taylor-croke-park-fight-2-7087711-Jul2026/) — The 42 (Ireland) (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Taylor’s swansong at Croke Park in play for free Irish TV. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/conversations-are-happening-katie-taylor-s-croke-park-fi-d2a77b13