A staggering 1.6 million viewers tuned in to watch Katie Taylor’s final fight on RTÉ2 on Saturday night.
The Bray native made history as she became a three-time undisputed champion of the world, defeating France’s Flora Pili in what marked the final fight of her legendary boxing career.
The historic clash was broadcast free-to-air on RTÉ2, with the fight peaking at 1.6 million viewers during Round 10 at 10.39pm, as Katie secured victory in front of a record crowd of 83,000 fans at Croke Park.
The programme attracted an average audience of 973,000 viewers, representing a huge 74% share of the available viewing audience.
The fight also proved hugely popular online, with 552,000 streams recorded on the RTÉ Player.
RTÉ Director of Video Steve Carson said: “On a historic Saturday night, Irish audiences came together in huge numbers to celebrate the extraordinary career of an Irish sporting icon.
“Katie Taylor’s final victory was a national moment that will be remembered for many years to come. RTÉ Sport felt it was important to be able to bring live coverage from Croke Park to viewers and listeners, free-to-air, right across the country.”
Fans watching at home and inside Croke Park were treated to an unforgettable spectacle, with world-class boxing, spectacular fireworks and a special performance from Westlife just days before they kick off their worldwide 25th anniversary tour.
Róisín O and Aoife Scott also performed spine-tingling a cappella renditions of Grace and Amhrán na bhFiann before Katie and Flora stepped into the ring.
Following the fight, Katie reflected on the emotional end to her career in a post shared on her official Instagram account.
She wrote: “The last night of my boxing career may well have been my best. A dream ending to an amazing journey! Thank you Ireland for filling Croke Park with your song and your support. I will never forget it!”
Against the iconic backdrop of the home of the GAA, Katie successfully defended her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles, while also winning the WBC Super Lightweight Championship in the historic clash against Pili.
The fight marked a spectacular end to a career which has seen Katie become one of Ireland’s most celebrated sporting icons.
RTÉ’s coverage was presented by Jacqui Hurley on RTÉ2, with Bernard Dunne and Natasha Jonas joining her from ringside at Croke Park.
Commentary was provided by Hugh Cahill and Eric Donovan, while Doireann Garrihy and Marie Crowe presented coverage on 2FM.
The broadcaster brought viewers and listeners closer to all the action from Croke Park as Katie took her final steps in the ring.
The event also marked the return of professional boxing to Croke Park, with the last professional boxing event at the iconic venue taking place in July 1972, when the legendary Muhammad Ali took on Detroit heavyweight Al “Blue” Lewis in front of 17,000 spectators.
More than five decades later, Katie Taylor created her own piece of Irish sporting history at the famous venue – and over one million people across the country tuned in to witness it.
