World reacts to Katie Taylor’s historic retirement fight at Croke Park

Scenes!

But it ended up defying expectations, as you can never really appreciate the magnitude of an event until you experience it.

Backed up by a raucous crowd, Croker had it all: from Westlife to an emotional rendition of Grace, and of course, the crowning win.

A legend on these shores for well over a decade, Taylor has transcended boxing and yesterday night was truly a global event, with many around the world in awe of the scenes.

World reacts to Katie Taylor at Croke Park

After the fight, Taylor spoke about her career and the funny position of being in the limelight for so long, yet not being particularly fond of it.

She said: "I actually don't like controversy, I don't like the limelight. I don't like being the centre of attention. It's funny that I'm actually in this position.

"And boxing is such a dark world at times. I'm probably the person least likely to be involved in this sport but here I am. I certainly don't like all the trash-talk and all the stuff that comes with it.

"Thankfully, I've never had to trash-talk or talk crap about anybody to actually succeed in this sport. I just let my excellence do my talking. I always let my boxing do the talking throughout my whole amateur career.

"I've always felt that was the best way to open doors for women's boxing when women's boxing wasn't accepted when I was a teenager. I was determined very early on in my career not to talk but to show."