Flora Pili (12-0) is an undefeated French super lightweight boxer and the current IBO champion.
On September 5, she will face boxing legend Katie Taylor (25-1) at Croke Park in Dublin in a fight for the IBF, IBO, WBC, and WBO super lightweight world titles.
The bout will mark the 13th fight of Pili’s professional career and the biggest challenge she has faced to date.
This interview with French boxer Flora Pili was originally conducted in French. The questions and answers have been translated into English for publication on Boxivo TV. Interview by Patryk Haus.
Patryk Haus: First of all, I’d like to ask how your preparations for the fight are going. Where are you training? Is this the same place where you usually hold your training camps?
Flora Pili: The preparation is going very well. We’re now in the fifth week of training camp. I’m training in Saint-Avold at my father’s Boxing Club gym. This is where I usually hold my training camps, and I bring my sparring partners here as well.
Patryk Haus: How was the fight with Katie Taylor arranged? If you can take us behind the scenes, how did the negotiations unfold?
Flora Pili: My promoter, Salvatore Cherchi, and his son Christian handled everything. At the beginning of May, they received a call from Katie Taylor’s promoter asking whether I was available and willing to accept the fight. They immediately said yes, and then both sides negotiated the terms of the contract.
At the beginning of June, the fight was officially announced, and we travelled to Dublin to sign the contract and take part in the press conference.
Patryk Haus: The fight will take place at the legendary Croke Park in Ireland, where Muhammad Ali also fought. How does it feel to be fighting at such an iconic venue? Are you happy that this fight is taking place there?
Flora Pili: It’s an incredible honour to fight in a venue where Muhammad Ali once competed. It shows how far women’s boxing has come, and we’re going to make history.
Patryk Haus: You’re about to face the legendary Katie Taylor. What do you think of your opponent? Does this fight represent the fulfilment of one of your dreams?
Flora Pili: Katie Taylor has made history in women’s boxing. To me, she’s a true legend. This fight is the reward for all the years of hard work, dedication, and discipline. It’s the fight of a lifetime!
Patryk Haus: Have you studied Katie Taylor’s previous fights? Do you know what to expect from her? Have you already developed your game plan for this fight?
Flora Pili: Yes, of course. Even before I was scheduled to fight her, I used to watch her fights, so I’m very familiar with her style. We’ve already developed our game plan, and we’re working on it every day in training
Patryk Haus: The fight will take place in Dublin, Ireland, your opponent’s home country. Does that put any extra pressure on you? Or do you think Katie Taylor will be the one carrying the greater weight of expectation?
Flora Pili: Not really. If anything, it motivates me even more because I’ll have to give 200% to come away with the victory. I think Katie will be under more pressure, since she’ll be fighting at home in front of her own fans.
Patryk Haus: How do you approach the mental side of your preparation? Do you work with a sports psychologist or mental coach, or do you have your own methods? How do you deal with the fact that there could be more than 80,000 spectators at the fight, with the vast majority likely cheering for their hometown fighter, Katie Taylor?
Flora Pili: Yes, I worked with a mental coach, and I’ve kept the techniques I learned to help me manage stress on my own. As for the 80,000 spectators, I choose to see them as a source of motivation and strength. Even if they’re all supporting Katie, it doesn’t matter to me. What I’ll experience that night will be something truly unique.
Patryk Haus: The fight will be contested for most of the major world titles in the super lightweight division. Does that give you even more motivation, or are you approaching this fight like any other?
Flora Pili: Absolutely. It’s an extra source of motivation. Whenever world titles are on the line, it gives you even more incentive to perform at your very best.
Patryk Haus: We know this is expected to be the final fight of Katie Taylor’s career. What are your plans after this bout? Can fans expect to see you back in the ring before the end of the year?
Flora Pili: Right now, my entire focus is on this fight. We haven’t started thinking about what comes next yet. We’re taking it one step at a time
Patryk Haus: What would you like to say to your fans ahead of the fight?
Flora Pili: 'd like to tell them to always believe in their dreams and never give up. Be willing to do whatever it takes, step outside your comfort zone, and keep pushing forward.