Katie Taylor gets 'nervous' watching Mayo's Croke Park celebrations ahead of own big night

Katie Taylor has admitted she got a little "nervous" watching clips of Mayo celebrating their thrilling All-Ireland football final win over Kerry on Sunday at Croke Park. The emotional afternoon saw Mayo end their 75-year wait for the Sam Maguire Cup, and with Taylor headlining the same Dublin stadium for her fighting farewell against Flora Pili on 5 September, it promises to be another unforgettable night in Irish sport.

Having been part of many groundbreaking nights throughout her career, from amateur success to becoming an undisputed professional champion, Taylor has one more box to tick. She will face Pili with the undisputed light-welterweight championship on offer. Mayo's win, which broke a run of 11 straight final defeats since 1951, has transcended Gaelic games, and for Taylor it served as a reminder of her own crossover night to come.

"I'm seeing the reaction of the Mayo supporters and it's remarkable to watch," the two-division undisputed champion said. "It's been an amazing few days even watching the clips from that game and the reaction of the Mayo supporters - I'm delighted for them. The 75-year curse is over."

"I was watching a clip this morning and was thinking 'I can't believe I'm headlining here in a few weeks' with the noise, the atmosphere and how electric the stadium is. I actually had to turn the clip off as I was getting a bit nervous looking at the Mayo players celebrating and the emotions of everyone. Sport is so special."