Why are Westlife performing at Katie Taylor's farewell fight against Flora Pili & what time are they performing?

As if Katie Taylor's final professional fight against Flora Pilli wasn't a big enough event in its own right, Matchroom have added even more star quality to the event in the shape of pop sensations Westlife.

Eddie Hearn's promotional company, who have overseen Taylor's full professional boxing journey, announced earlier this week that one of Ireland's most successful boy bands of all time would take to the stage at Croke Park ahead of the main event.

Posting on social media, they said: "Joining us on Saturday night for a very special live set @westlife.

"Just days before their worldwide 25th anniversary tour begins in Dublin next week, the global superstars are officially confirmed as the headline performers for #TaylorPili."

The band are no strangers to Croke Park, having headlined the iconic Gaelic Sports venue to sold-out crowds on six previous occasions; most recently in 2012.

But why have they been chosen to take to the stage at the upcoming Taylor vs Pili bill?

Find out below...

Why are Westlife performing at Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili?

It's believed Westlife are one of Katie Taylor's favourite bands, with the fighter having gone on record to state her admiration for them in the past.

Matchroom had previously hinted that the Croke Park bill would feature a musical set, following in the footsteps of other major fight bills which have done similar in the past.

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher belted out a three-song set at Wembley Stadium ahead of Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois two years ago, whilst Eminem was a special performer prior to Terence Crawford's undisputed welterweight clash with Errol Spence a year earlier.

Now, Westlife are set to follow suit, with the band, who have amassed a staggering 16 UK and Ireland number ones, speaking of their excitement.

"We are so honoured to be asked by Katie to perform at this historic night," they said in a statement.

"She has inspired the whole country and we couldn’t be prouder to perform for her at Croke Park, a stadium that also means so much to us."

What time are Westlife performing at Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili?

Whilst no official time has been announced by Matchroom, it's anticipated that Westlife will perform a short set ahead of Katie Taylor's ring walk.

The main event is scheduled to start shortly after 22:00 (BST), meaning it's likely that the band will take to the stage between 21:30 (BST) and 21:45 (BST).

Of course, this is fully dependent upon the length of the stacked undercard bouts.