Katie Taylor fans slam ‘ridiculous’ Ticketmaster after chaotic general sale for Croke Park fight tickets

KATIE Taylor’s Croke Park fight looks set to be a sell-out based on how quickly tickets became scarce in this morning’s general sale.

Promoter Eddie Hearn claimed on Wednesday that 40k tickets were snapped up at a pre-sale that was only open to Lidl Plus customers and Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass members.

And that pattern of demand very much outstripping supply continued on Friday as within minutes of the 9am opening time, many were left feeling hopeless in queues reminiscent of those for last summer’s Oasis gigs.

A quick search of “Katie Taylor tickets” on X showcases the wide array of people who were left feeling out in the cold as their hopes of attending the September 5 showpiece seemingly went up in smoke.

In one such example, Jodie tweeted: “@TMIrelandHelp I was 8000 in the queue for Katie Taylor tickets, got to choose them and then got knocked out of the queue. Absolutely ridiculous from your website.”

A similarly frustrated Noah vented: F*** Ticketmaster. 10 minutes in and had three tickets in the cart for Katie Taylor’s fight just for them to kick me out when I’m putting card details in.”

Amid the grievances being aired at Ticketmaster, Joe joked: “Katie Taylor fight sold out. Will they put on a second night?”

It comes as The Irish Sun can reveal taxpayers are off the hook for the huge event as Katie’s team opted to go it alone and not ask the State for funding for the fight.

Matchroom chief Hearn described Wednesday’s ticket sales as “incredible” and said he expects the fight to sell out in record time.

He said: “Expecting a complete sellout on general sale this Friday. What a night this is going to be. Ireland stand up.”

The 39-year-old is aiming to sign off her career as a three-time undisputed champion as she puts all her world titles on the line against rival Flora Pili.

The French boxer is unbeaten in her 12 fights as a pro and is next in line to challenge Katie for her IBF super lightweight title.

An undercard has yet to be announced for the fight along with other special music guests that are expected to be revealed over the coming weeks.

The family friendly event will feature boxing and music as Katie promised fans an “an amazing night of entertainment, a night that people speak about for years to come”.

Sport Minister Charlie McConalogue had previously encouraged Katie’s team to get in touch with the Government and apply through the major events pathway.

However, The Irish Sun can reveal that the taxpayer is off the hook as no State funding will be spent on the fight.

Minister McConalogue confirmed that the Department of Sport has no involvement in the fight and is not providing any direct financial support for the event.

Katie and her team have been on a ­promotional tour across Ireland over the past week as they looked to build momentum ahead of tickets going on sale.

And she had said: “This is definitely it for me and what an amazing way to end it. I’m going to be 40 this year. I can’t box forever. I think this is the absolute perfect way to end my career.

“I’m definitely not going to be one of those fighters who keeps coming out of retirement.

“Once I hang up the gloves I’m done so I am just going to reflect after and look back on an amazing career. All the highs and lows as well that made me who I am. I have achieved my dreams in winning the Olympics.

“I didn’t even have the capacity to dream about Croke Park. So I am living beyond my dreams at this stage and I am so grateful.”