Chantelle Cameron of England secures victory over Katie Taylor in an impressive display, successfully defending her light-welterweight championship title in Dublin
Chantelle Cameron successfully defended her title as the undisputed light-welterweight champion by securing a majority decision over Katie Taylor in a thrilling match held in Dublin.
Despite a disappointed home crowd, promoter Eddie Hearn offered a silver lining by announcing a rematch later this year, once again taking place in Dublin. However, Cameron expressed her dissatisfaction with the organizers' treatment and emphasized the need for changes before the upcoming bout.
Dublin witnessed a highly anticipated showdown as Chantelle Cameron faced off against Irish fighter Katie Taylor for the light-welterweight championship. In a remarkable turn of events, Cameron handed Taylor her first defeat as a professional boxer.
The fight, which took place at Dublin's 3Arena, marked Taylor's much-awaited return to her hometown. However, it was Cameron's exceptional skills and relentless performance that stole the spotlight, leading to her victory through a majority decision.
Right from the opening bell, Cameron displayed her dominance by aggressively attacking Taylor, showcasing her determination to establish control. Despite facing a partisan crowd, Cameron maintained her offensive strategy and continued to press forward. In the initial rounds, Taylor demonstrated her speed and timing by countering Cameron's aggression.
The back-and-forth exchanges between the fighters kept the crowd engaged, but as the match progressed, Cameron's influence grew, leading her to claim the third round.
The turning point of the bout came in the fourth and fifth rounds when Cameron unleashed powerful blows that left Taylor struggling to respond. The English fighter's superiority became evident as Taylor's braids began to unravel, unintentionally becoming a distraction for the remainder of the fight. Undeterred, Taylor displayed resilience in the sixth round, attempting a valiant comeback, but Cameron remained composed.
In the seventh round, Cameron delivered a decisive blow—an impactful right hand that noticeably slowed down Taylor. Despite this setback, the hometown hero fought on in the eighth round, igniting hope among the passionate fans for a miraculous turnaround. However, Cameron proved indomitable in the final two rounds, securing her victory.
Although the fight maintained a tense atmosphere throughout, when the judges' decision was announced, it confirmed Cameron's anticipated win with two scores of 96-94 in her favor. The third judge declared a 95-95 draw.
Upon confirmation of her victory, Cameron candidly expressed her fear that the boisterous home crowd might influence the judges' decision. She acknowledged the skills and toughness of her defeated opponent, stating, "She's incredibly fast, tough, and one of the greatest female boxers out there."
With this triumph, Cameron extended her winning streak to 18 consecutive victories, solidifying her status as the reigning champion in the light-welterweight division. Despite her defeat, Taylor maintains her undisputed lightweight champion title. Reflecting on the outcome, the Irish fighter expressed disappointment regarding her homecoming experience, yet remained grateful for the overwhelming support.
Taylor graciously congratulated Chantelle on her outstanding performance, thanked her for the opportunity to compete for the belts, and eagerly anticipated the rematch.
Following the match, Cameron emphasized her expectation of being treated as the champion in the upcoming rematch. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed this sentiment, ensuring that the rematch would indeed take place.