Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) sits atop The Ring’s pound-for-pound list as she prepares to face Flora Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) in front of 80,000 at Dublin’s biggest stadium.

The 40-year-old Taylor – who won five world amateur championships, an Olympic gold and undisputed titles in two professional weight classes – insists she will hang up her gloves regardless of the result of a 10-round main event DAZN will stream worldwide.

And once she’s gone, Taylor says Shields (19-0, 4 KOs) should ascend to the top of the pile ahead of the likes of Gabriela Fundora, Chantelle Cameron or Dina Thorslund. Shields, a five-division champion who won two Olympic gold medals, is ranked No. 2 by The Ring.

During an appearance on “Inside The Ring” on Monday, Taylor said, “I don’t think you can actually look past Claressa. I think her athleticism, how exciting she is. She’s so explosive. She’s an amazing athlete. She’s absolutely phenomenal.

“I actually think Dina Thorslund is phenomenal as well. There’s so many amazing fighters out there. For me, I think Claressa Shields is absolutely the best. You can’t look past her.”

During last week’s edition of “Inside The Ring,” Shields opened the door to a catch-weight fight with Taylor, should the current Ring, IBF, WBA and WBO champion agree to cancel her retirement and go up to 157 pounds.

Taylor smiled at the suggestion and admitted she would consider any such offer from The Ring’s No. 1-rated middleweight, despite the size differential and impending retirement.

“I’ll always consider every opportunity,” Taylor said. “But I am probably the smallest light welterweight in the history of boxing. I am very, very small for the weight. I would definitely consider every opportunity that comes my way, but who knows? You just want to get me out of retirement already!”

Shields isn’t just undefeated – she has never even looked close to losing. In fact, the Flint, Michigan native has not lost a boxing match, amateur or pro, since her defeat to Savannah Marshall at the 2012 World Amateur Championships. The 31-year-old Shields avenged that loss when she beat Marshall by unanimous decision in their middleweight title unification fight in October 2022 in London.

So how would Taylor go about beating her?

“I think I’m the one person in women’s boxing that can match her speed,” Taylor said. “I think that’s obviously been a huge advantage for her.

“I’d probably have to have strong legs because I’d have to move my legs a lot in the fight, keep it on the outside. Yeah, I think just try and outbox her, really.”

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