Katie Taylor reveals post-career family move plot that Irish legend laughs ‘isn’t going down well’ with husband Sean

KATIE TAYLOR has been trying to convince husband Sean McCavanagh to move to Ireland but admitted with a laugh that it’s been an uphill task.

The Irish icon sailed off into the sunset with a throwback win over Flora Pili in her retirement fight at Croke Park.

While her final act inside the ring, the 40-year-old expressed an interest in staying involved in the sport that she dominated for the best part of 30 years.

Speaking in the post-fight press conference, the Wicklow warrior said: “I think I’d love to stay involved in boxing in some way.”

If she was to pursue this career path, Taylor seems more likely to do so in her adopted home of America.

She added: “I am living in Connecticut at the moment as well so I don’t know how that would work.

“I’ve been trying to convince my husband to move back home to Ireland but I’m not sure that’s gone down very well.

“But we’ll see what happens. I would love to stay involved in sports.

“It might be very strange for me not to be involved. This has been my whole life for the last 30 years.”

While he may not be wholly on board with upping sticks and moving to the Emerald Isle, Sean was in attendance for her Dublin farewell.

After being declared undisputed champion for the third time, Taylor cut an impassioned and emotional speech in dedication to friends and family.

The Wicklow icon turned her attention to the team who had helped guide her professional career, including her coaches, and manager, Eddie Hearn.

She added: “Just a few thank-yous. Thank you Jamie, and thank you to my team, Brian Peters, Tomas Rowan, Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team.

“It’s crazy to think when there’s money involved, but I always feel like they have my best interests at heart. They’re even more for me than themselves.

“And thank you so much for taking the risk. I don’t think any of us could imagine these last ten years, and I couldn’t imagine doing this without any of our team.

“To my coach Ross. I called my coach Ross after one depressing evening after the Rio Olympics.

“I reached out to him during my lowest moments, when I fell out of love with boxing, and he allowed me to come over for a couple of weeks in Connecticut.

“My love for my sport rekindled, and that was probably one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

“Thank you so much. Thank you so much for your dedication, your sacrifice, your commitment and your knowledge throughout these last ten years.

“It’s been an amazing education.”

There was also an emotional acknowledgement for her father Pete, who first introduced her to boxing as a child.

Katie added: “My dad is here somewhere. My dad was the first person who brought me to the boxing gym as a ten-year-old.

“He taught me how to fight and he led me to five World Championship gold medals, six Europeans, five EU titles, the European Games and an Olympic title.

“None of this would have been possible without his coaching, and women’s boxing in this country wouldn’t be where it is without his contributions down through the years.

“So thanks for everything, Dad. I love you.

The boxing legend also hailed the guidance of her mother and siblings in front of the packed house.

She added: “My mom. When you think about faithfulness and being with you through thick and thin, the ups and downs, there’s nothing like an Irish mammy.

“But you’ve been more than that. You’ve been a source of strength, a source of wisdom, a source of guidance throughout all of the hard times and good times.

“And I doubt I’ll ever know the effect of all your prayers for me down through the years.

“None of this would be possible without your sacrifice and commitment. So you’re the absolute best, Mam. Thank you so much.

“My family as a whole, my two brothers, my sister Sarah and Peter Lee, I love you.

“We’ve been on some adventure, and imagine what it’s like for them watching their little sister get punched for a living.

“And imagine this all started in our little kitchen and us punching the head off each other.”

Her speech then became particularly emotional as she reflected on the difficult year her family had suffered.

Nicola, who was the wife of the boxing legend’s brother Lee, passed away following what KT described as a “brave battle with cancer” earlier this year.

Taylor’s grandmother also passed away in 2026, adding to a gut-wrenching year for their family.

She said: “It’s been such a tough year for the family. Our sister Nicola, Lee’s wife, passed away with cancer this year, and she was my super fan.

“She loved fight night and it’s not the same without her.

“And a few weeks later, our grandmother passed away as well, and she was one of the greatest people we’ve ever met.

“I know she’s looking down on us.”

Taylor finally addressed husband Sean McCavanagh, admitting she is now looking forward to life after boxing with him and her five step-kids.

The icon concluded: “My husband, Sean. These last couple of years with you by my side have been the best couple of years of my life.

“You gave me a new joy and happiness.