Donovan-McKenna on Undercard of Taylor Croke Bout

New Delhi, India Jul 1, 2026 ALN: Paddy Donovan, the mandatory challenger for the IBF world welterweight title, is set to face Belfast's Tyrone McKenna on the undercard of Katie Taylor's farewell bout at Croke Park on 5 September.

Taylor will take on France's undefeated Floran Pili as she concludes her illustrious career in front of an expected crowd of 80,000 fans.

The Irish fighter aims to become a three-time undisputed champion, with the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO super-lightweight world titles on the line in Dublin.

Limerick boxer Donovan has previously faced setbacks against Lewis Crocker in his attempts to claim the IBF welterweight crown. However, he recently secured a victory over Karen Chukhadzhian in a title eliminator in Germany this past May.

In addition to Donovan's matchup, Taylor's cousin, former UFC star-turned-boxer Molly McCann, will also be featured on the card, looking to extend her perfect start in the professional ranks against Yorkshire's Sylwia Doligala.

McCann has impressively won her first four fights since transitioning to .

Irish heavyweight Thomas Carty is scheduled to face English opponent Dave Allen in the chief support contest. Allen recently returned to winning form with a points victory over Ross McGuigan after previous defeats to Arslanbek Makhmudov and Filip Hrgovic.

Carty, who defeated German Skobenko in his most recent fight, is looking to bounce back after suffering a knee injury in a contest against Dajuan Calloway last year.

Unbeaten Coleraine fighter Matthew Boreland will take on Liverpool's Joe McGrail in pursuit of the WBA Continental Gold belt. Additionally, undefeated Emmet Brennan will meet Taylor Bevan at super middleweight, while Dublin's Paul Ryan and Belfast's Paddy Gallagher are matched for a middleweight bout.

Dubliners Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Floo will also be part of the support bill.

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn expressed excitement about the event, stating, "With so much Irish talent on the undercard, it will be a special, party atmosphere at Croke Park before 80,000 fans get behind the great Katie Taylor for her final ever fight."

He added, "I love the Allen-Carty fight. Two experienced heavyweights, in a make-or-break fight, out to score an almighty win. Plus, Paddy Donovan, fresh from his recent heroics in Germany, looks to underline his status as Ireland's number one welterweight – and why he is next in line to challenge for the IBF crown."

Hearn also praised McCann's recent performance, saying, "Molly McCann looked great in her recent win in Liverpool and she has a huge year ahead. But she will be over the moon to be on this card, especially with her cousin Katie Taylor headlining."