Global superstars with 16 No.1 singles to perform at Katie Taylor’s farewell fight

Westlife will sing at Taylor's swansong

What promises to be the greatest night in the history of Irish sport will have a star-studded Irish soundtrack to accompany it with global chart-toppers Westlife officially confirmed as the headline performers for Katie Taylor’s historic farewell fight this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN and non-exclusively in Ireland on RTÉ.

The London 2012 Olympic Gold Medal hero Taylor bids to sign off her remarkable career as a three-time Undisputed Champion when she takes on France’s undefeated Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans at Croke Park.

Global superstars Westlife are no strangers to Dublin’s iconic stadium with the band having played in front of sold-out crowds at the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association an astonishing six times.

As one of Ireland’s all-time biggest-selling acts, Westlife have shifted more than 55 million records worldwide, have amassed a staggering 16 UK and Irish No.1 singles – including hits such as Flying Without Wings, Queen of My Heart and You Raise Me Up and have sold over 6 million concert tickets worldwide.

And just days before their worldwide 25th anniversary tour – their biggest global tour to date with over 150 live shows to take place – begins with a ground-breaking 13-night residency at Dublin’s 3Arena next week, the band are thrilled to be by Taylor’s side for her last-ever ring walk.

"We are so honoured to be asked by Katie to perform at this historic night,” said Westlife.

"She has inspired the whole country and we couldn’t be prouder to perform for her at Croke Park, a stadium that also means so much to us."

Further exciting entertainment acts will be announced in due course.

And as a monumental night at Croke Park awaits, delivered by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions and Brian Peters, Fight Week continues today with the Undercard Press Conference.

TODAY
Undercard Press Conference – Media only
Time: 12pm media arrivals for 1pm start
Venue: The Helix, The Theatre
Address: DCU, Ascaill Uí Choileáin, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 FW22

FRIDAY
Ceremonial Weigh-In – Ticketed event for Public guests
Time: Media arrivals for 5pm for 6pm start
Venue: Trinity College Dublin
Address: College Green, Dublin 2

SATURDAY
Fight Day 5k
Location: Ellenfield Park, Church Entrance, Whitehall, Dublin 9
Meet time: 8am

What's been said?

Katie Taylor: "This seems like the perfect way to end it - by becoming Undisputed Champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts. I'm so grateful that it's happening and I can't thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years.

“People have travelled all around the world to follow my career and I'm hoping I can repay some of that with a big performance on September 5. I'm under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge, she's undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree so I have the utmost respect for her.

“I've been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake. I hope it's the kind of event that will inspire a whole new generation to take up sport and follow their passions - that for me would be the greatest legacy I could leave."

Flora Pili: “Katie Taylor is one of the greatest champions in the history of women’s boxing, and I have tremendous respect for everything she has achieved. Facing a legend like her represents the biggest opportunity of my career. On September 5, I will step into the ring fully prepared and ready to embrace this challenge in my quest to become the undisputed world champion.”