‘It’s Strictly Forbidden’ Flora Pili Reveals Contract Details of Katie Taylor Clash

Flora Pili was chosen as Katie Taylor’s opponent for her swansong bout in Croke Park. Having won the then-vacant IBO Super-Lightweight world title against Jelena Janicijevic back in 2025, the megafight will serve as her first world title defence.

Of course, Taylor will enter as the favourite, even as an aging veteran. That won’t be the only belt on the line – it’ll also be contested for the IBF, WBO and WBC titles.

However, there is a catch. Pili was initially expected to fight around April/May time – but when Taylor came knocking and the fight with her was locked in, these plans were scuppered.

In a recent interview with Flashscore, Pili revealed the details surrounding her fight with Taylor and how it has affected her career trajectory.

Flora Pili reveals contract details ahead of Katie Taylor megafight

When asked if she would take on a tune-up opponent before fighting Taylor, Pili replied: “It’s strictly forbidden in the contract. I’m absolutely not allowed to box before the fight. I was supposed to fight around April-May but potential opponents didn’t want to.

“We’ll have to change things, of course, because we’ll need to step up the intensity. We’re planning training camps, bringing girls to my place, going to Paris, and maybe to Italy or Spain.

“We don’t have a choice. In July, I can stay at home, but from August, we’ll add some tough sparring, with boxers who have a similar style to Katie Taylor.

“I’ve got two and a half months [to prepare], which is great. Above all, I never let up, I train every day, so that’s not a problem. I’ve never really struggled with weight.

“Competitive sport is a bit like a drug, so if I don’t train for a day or two, my body demands it and I can’t cheat myself.

“From time to time, I treat myself at a restaurant but I don’t crave fast food. Luckily I’m not like my father, who has a sweet tooth, otherwise I’d have to change weight class (laughs).”

How did Flora Pili’s fight with Katie Taylor come about?

“[Winning the IBO world title] played a part because a world belt opens doors. That said, it was absolutely not planned for me to fight Katie Taylor.

“Initially, I was supposed to fight for an IBF belt. But we didn’t hear much about it. Then, at the start of May, my manager was contacted by Katie Taylor’s team, saying she was interested.

“It was a unique opportunity, so of course we agreed. No competitor could say no to that! I didn’t hear anything for almost a month, until a few days ago when I was told to get to Ireland quickly to sign the contracts!

“I really wasn’t expecting it, because we didn’t know what Taylor’s plans were – there were rumours of a trilogy with Chantelle Cameron. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet (laughs).

“I want to put on a great performance. I know how boxing works, Katie Taylor is at home, it’s her last fight. If I don’t get a KO, it will be very hard to win, but I’m not fixated on that. I want to show that I’m really there, that I deserve it. This fight will open a lot of doors for the rest of my career.”