WBC to Honor Katie Taylor with the “Queen of the Celts” Belt Following Historic Croke Park Farewell
One-of-a-kind championship belt will celebrate the Irish legend’s extraordinary career and enduring legacy
Click Queen of The Celts Belt – Katie Taylor VS Flora Pili – Dropbox for Photos. Credit: World Boxing Council.
DUBLIN, IRELAND — August 25, 2026 — The World Boxing Council (WBC) will honor Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor with a special, one-of-a-kind WBC “Queen of the Celts” Belt following the final professional fight of her remarkable career on Saturday, September 5, at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park.
Taylor will face undefeated French challenger Flora Pili in what promises to be one of the most significant nights in Irish sporting history. Taylor will defend her IBF, WBA, and WBO Super Lightweight World Championships while also challenging for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight Championship.
A victory would make Taylor a three-time undisputed world champion, adding another historic milestone to a career that has transformed women’s boxing and inspired generations of athletes worldwide.
The occasion also marks the return of professional boxing to Croke Park for the first time since Muhammad Ali fought there in 1972. More than 80,000 fans are expected to gather at the venue to witness the final chapter in the career of one of Ireland’s greatest sporting icons.
More than a championship title, the WBC Queen of the Celts Belt is a tribute to a career that has completely transcended the sport.
“She has been such an unbelievable icon, a legend, and a Hall of Famer without a doubt. I’m just so proud of Katie Taylor, and the WBC is extremely proud to have been closely associated with her extraordinary journey,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council. “She is an icon; there’s no disputing it. We are honored to present her with this special Queen of the Celts Belt, created to celebrate her achievements, her Irish heritage, and the incredible legacy she has built throughout her career. She deserves the very best, and there could be no more fitting occasion than her farewell fight in front of 80,000 people at Croke Park.”
Taylor became Ireland’s first Olympic gold medalist in boxing at the 2012 London Olympic Games and went on to become an undisputed champion in two weight divisions, establishing herself as one of the defining figures in combat sports history. Her final appearance at Croke Park represents a fitting culmination of that journey: a legendary Irish athlete returning home to make history one final time.
A Belt Built Around Irish Heritage
The WBC Queen of the Celts Belt has been specially conceived to honor Taylor not simply as a champion, but as a symbol of Irish excellence, resilience, and leadership. Every element of the belt carries deep meaning connected to Irish and Celtic heritage:
The Irish Harp: One of Ireland’s most enduring national symbols and one of the oldest emblems of Celtic culture, representing music, tradition, inspiration, and national pride.
The Celtic Cross: Combines the Christian cross with an ancient circular sun motif, symbolizing faith, unity, protection, eternity, and spiritual strength.
The Trinity Knot: Features endlessly interwoven lines representing eternity, interconnectedness, and the unity of mind, body, and spirit.
The Celtic Crown: Situated at the heart of the belt’s symbolism to represent leadership, sovereignty, honor, and achievement, marking Taylor as the reigning queen of women’s boxing.
The Celtic Warrior Queen: Inspired by legendary figures including Grace O’Malley and Queen Maeve, representing the courage, determination, and warrior spirit that defined Taylor inside and outside the ring.
The Celtic Shield: Represents strength, defense, courage, and honor, reflecting the determination required to reach and remain at the pinnacle of the sport.
The Celtic Knot Border: Features intricate, seamless patterns symbolizing eternity, continuity, unity, and the unbreakable connection between generations.
The Triskele: An ancient triple spiral representing progress, personal growth, balance, and the continual journey through life.
The Shamrock: Ireland’s most globally recognized symbol, bringing luck, prosperity, hope, and pride.
Together, these elements tell a complete story: The Crown for the champion; The Warrior Queen for courage; The Shield for strength; The Harp for heritage; The Cross for faith; The Knots for eternity; The Triskele for growth; and The Shamrock for Ireland.
A Final Night of History in the Making
The fight will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN and available free-to-air in Ireland across RTÉ2, RTÉ Player, and 2FM, allowing audiences across the globe to witness the final professional chapter of Katie Taylor’s extraordinary career.
For an Irish legend like Katie, the setting could not be more appropriate — and for the WBC, there is no more fitting tribute than the Queen of the Celts Belt to honor a champion whose impact will endure far beyond the final bell.
