Katie Taylor exits boxing as undisputed champion after defeating Flora Pili

Katie Taylor closed out her distinguished career in fitting fashion, dispatching Flora Pili on points in front of an 80,000-strong crowd at Croke Park for a storybook farewell.

With the eyes of Ireland fixed on her, the nation's sporting icon became a three-time undisputed world champion by overwhelming the previously unbeaten Frenchwoman 100-90, 100-90, 98-91 across the scorecards.

Taylor controlled the bout with her hand speed and footwork and never appeared in trouble as she added the vacant WBC title to her collection of WBO, WBA and IBF belts, kicking off the celebrations at the headquarters of Gaelic games.

In the closing moments of the 10th round, the Olympic gold medallist exchanged punches with Pili against the ropes, fully aware that victory was already secured.

The win capped a remarkable journey for Taylor, who first took up boxing at a time when girls were excluded from amateur competition in Ireland and occasionally fought under the name "K Taylor."

She went on to claim Olympic lightweight gold at London 2012, the first Games to include women's boxing, before turning professional four years later.

Taylor concludes her professional career with 26 wins and one loss, having captured world titles at lightweight and super-lightweight.

Her farewell also returned top-level boxing to Croke Park for the first time since Muhammad Ali defeated Al "Blue" Lewis in 1972.

After the fight, she placed her gloves in the centre of the ring to signal her retirement, while her team helped arrange her belts around them.

Speaking to the jubilant crowd, she said: "Croke Park! We did it," as she saluted those in attendance. "I don't know of any other country that would sell 80,000 tickets."

She continued: "The people of Ireland gave me a dream end to a dream career. Nothing can top this."