DUBLIN, Ireland -- Katie Taylor showed her class again at her last-ever open workout on Wednesday by surprising a 10-year-old girl to throw a few punches with her in the ring.
Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) is preparing for one final fight in Dublin on Saturday, with upwards of 80,000 fans expected at the iconic Croke Park stadium.
The Irish icon looked sharp as she worked with trainer Ross Enamait as they ramp up preparations for a clash win unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) for the undisputed junior welterweight titles.
At the end of the workout, which was attended by fans at Dublin City University, Taylor picked out Clodagh Keating from the crowd. The 10-year-old was moved to tears as she climbed between the ropes to do a few minutes of training with her hero.
Taylor then signed a cowboy hat in the colours of the Ireland flag.
"Just feeling the atmosphere in this small arena, I can't imagine what Saturday evening is going to be like," Taylor said.
"This is what it's all about for me. It's just an absolute joy to be here. I'm so grateful for what I get to do. I actually love every single day and I don't take this for granted.
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"In a few days I'll make my last ring walk and I'll look back on this in a few years and I imagine I'll be overwhelmed."
Taylor insisted she is not taking Pili lightly. On Tuesday, Enamait made a point of saying the swansong at Croke Park would be for nothing if Taylor were to lose.
"This isn't going to be a walk in the park. I've got a tough, young challenger in front of me," Taylor said.
"I purposely chose a tough challenger for my final fight. I've built up my reputation taking the tough fights all throughout my whole career. Why treat my last fight any differently?"