Flora Pili has made clear she has no intention of playing a supporting role in Katie Taylor’s highly anticipated Croke Park appearance, insisting she is coming to Ireland to take Taylor’s belts.
The unbeaten French challenger enters the fight as IBO and European champion and has spent the last three months preparing for what will be the biggest opportunity of her career.
“I have nothing to lose and everything to win,” Pili said. “I’m going to be giving 200% right from round one to the very end. And hopefully I’ll be able to take away all these fantastic belts.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn warned that Pili should not be viewed simply as part of Taylor’s celebration, describing her as a strong 140-pound fighter with an accomplished amateur background.
Hearn also stressed the emotional significance of the occasion for Taylor but acknowledged the danger presented by a challenger arriving without the same pressure. “This will be a real fight,” he said.
Pili, meanwhile, has remained composed throughout the build-up and says she expects strong support from France as she attempts to ruin Taylor’s homecoming at Croke Park.
Image Credit: Sky Sports