Matchroom Announce Dave Allen, Molly McCann and Paddy Donovan for Katie Taylor’s Historic Croke Park Farewell Card

Matchroom Boxing has confirmed the undercard for Katie Taylor’s historic farewell fight against unbeaten French challenger Flora Pili at Dublin’s Croke Park on September 5th, with Dave Allen, Molly McCann and Paddy Donovan among those set to feature.

There is perhaps no more appropriate figure than Taylor to headline boxing’s return to Croke Park. The event will mark the first boxing card to be staged at the iconic Irish sporting venue since 1972, when Muhammad Ali defeated Al Lewis. More than five decades later, boxing finally returns to one of Ireland’s most famous sporting venues.

In keeping with the magnitude of the occasion, Taylor will put all of her world titles on the line in Dublin, with the bout offering the chance to end her career as a three-time undisputed champion.

One of the standout additions sees the “Doncaster De La Hoya”, Dave Allen, face Ireland’s Thomas Carty in a heavyweight clash that pits Allen’s experience against Carty’s return to form following the serious knee injury he suffered during his American debut against Dajuan Calloway in March 2025.

Allen comes into the fight looking to rebound from a corner stoppage defeat to Filip Hrgovic in May at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium. The former title contender will now travel to Dublin aiming to return to winning ways against Carty on hostile ground.

Next on the card is an all-Irish welterweight clash that sees ‘The Real Deal’ Paddy Donovan take on Tyrone McKenna.

Limerick’s Donovan will be looking to strengthen his position as the IBF mandatory challenger by extending his unbeaten record to 16 wins should he emerge victorious.

Standing in the way is McKenna, a seasoned operator known for his willingness to engage in tough, gritty fights. The Belfast man enters the contest following a second victory over Dylan Moran in their rematch on the Crocker vs Donovan 2 card.

Molly McCann’s boxing journey continues at Croke Park as the former Cage Warriors champion and UFC fighter looks to improve her unbeaten 4-0 professional record against Sylwia Doligala, who is herself unbeaten in her last three contests.

Having only turned professional in boxing in 2025, the 36-year-old has already impressed with victories over the likes of Kate Radomska and Ashleigh Johnson. Doligala represents another step up in competition as McCann looks to further establish herself as a legitimate contender.

Also on the card, unbeaten Welsh super-middleweight prospect Taylor Bevan (9-0) faces Ireland’s Emmet Brennan in what could prove to be the toughest test of his professional career. The former Irish Olympian carries a 6-0 professional record and will also be looking to continue his rise at 35 years of age.

Liverpool’s Joe McGrail also features on the card, putting his unbeaten 13-0 record on the line against Matthew Boreland for the WBA Continental super-bantamweight title.

Having won the belt on home soil in April with a fifth-round body-shot knockout of Aaron Hayden, McGrail now travels to Dublin looking to successfully defend his title against Coleraine’s reigning BUI Irish Super-Bantamweight Champion.

There is also a Dublin vs Belfast middleweight contest between Paul Ryan and Paddy Gallagher, adding another domestic rivalry to an already stacked card.

Rising prospects Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Flood complete the event’s line-up, with both looking to make an impression in front of a home crowd at Croke Park.

With world title fights, domestic rivalries and several of boxing’s fastest-rising prospects all featured on the bill, Matchroom has assembled a fitting undercard for what promises to be one of the biggest nights in Irish boxing history as Katie Taylor prepares to bring the curtain down on her legendary career.