The unbeaten French contender earned her shot through rankings success, European title wins and a perfect professional record
Many boxing fans know Katie Taylor, but fewer are familiar with Flora Pili. The unbeaten French contender secured her September 5 title shot by climbing to No. 1 contender positions and collecting regional titles that moved her to the front of the line.
Pili earned the opportunity by climbing to the top of the rankings at 140 pounds and establishing herself as one of the leading contenders in the division. The unbeaten French fighter will enter the September 5 showdown with a perfect 12-0 record and the chance to become the undisputed super lightweight champion.
Before turning professional, Pili enjoyed success in the amateur ranks. She captured a French Youth title and later won a French Senior National Championship while representing her country in international competition.
The 28-year-old has continued that progress in the professional ranks. In 2023, she claimed the European title with a split-decision victory over Silvia Bortot. Pili followed that up by defeating Jelena Janicijevic to capture the IBO championship in her most recent outing.
Those victories helped elevate her standing with the major sanctioning bodies. Pili currently holds the No. 1 contender position with both the WBC and IBF, while also sitting near the top of the WBA rankings.
That status placed her in position when Katie Taylor’s September 5 return to Croke Park was finalized. With the vacant WBC title also on the line, the fight will give Pili the biggest opportunity of her career.
Taylor will enter the bout as the favorite, but Pili arrives unbeaten and carrying the credentials that earned her place on one of the biggest stages in women’s boxing.