Main headline and star of the show last weekend has to be the now two-weight undisputed female world champion Katie Taylor.
The 37 year old Irish boxing legend further added to her outstanding achievements winning a breathtaking contest to relieve Northampton, England’s Chantelle Cameron of The Ring magazine 140lb (10st) championship and the numerous sanctioning body belts also up for grabs.
In a raucous atmosphere on Saturday (Nov 25) Taylor’s Dublin faithful just got her over the line in a ‘ding-dong’ contest that was a candidate for fight of the year.
The Irish woman navigated an early trip to the canvas, which was controversially not scored a knockdown, when Cameron seemed to connect with a strong right-hand lead. Despite this, Taylor eventually won a majority decision (95-95, 96-94 and 98-92), which to us appeared far too wide in her favour on the final card given the action, skills and ferocity shared. Both boxers deserve praise and Cameron’s grievance on the final decision is understood. We do though feel Taylor was the victor.
The champion coming in was cut on the forehead early in the fight and although a distraction it was well contained and didn’t seem to overly trouble her. There were repeated head clashes throughout the fight, adding to the drama, but it was really a clash of height and advancing styles rather than anything malicious.
Taylor (23-1, 6 KO’s), an exceptional amateur and London 2012 gold medallist, successfully avenged last year’s defeat to Cameron and there will be much calling for a trilogy ‘rubber match’ to determine the better fighter.
After last year’s reverse against Cameron, when much was expected of Taylor, she proudly said after Saturday’s outcome “This was my homecoming…the real me”. She called out for a trilogy to be held at Croke Park, the national 80,000 monolith stadium. It is sure to pack the place out should it happen.
Cameron (18-1, 8 KO’s) should be given full credit for the way she fought, with tenacity and bravery and will in the eyes of many be a favourite in the inevitable ‘trilogy’ match.
The contest further added to the now total credibility of female boxing; who legitimately have equal standing. It was a contest that can rightly stand with any male fight for the year. Promoted by Matchroom and shown on the DAZN streaming platform it was a momentous homecoming for the Irish lady and success for female boxing.
Honourable mentions at the weekend also go to an excellent fight on a Queensberry promotion at York Hall, Bethnal Green, east London where lightweight Mark Chamberlain (14-0, 10 KO’s) won by tenth round KO against Latvian Artjoms Ramlavs (16-3, 8 KO’s). This kept the Portsmouth fighter’s unbeaten record intact and the prospect of a fight against fellow 135lb up and comer Sam Noakes looks mouthwatering.
After a competitive fight Chamberlain just came through Ramlav’s experienced and rugged showing, plus negotiating a difficult cut on his right eyelid which threatened to stop the fight earlier. The end came dramatically at 1:21 of the tenth and entertained all in attendance and watching on TNT Sport in the UK.
The undefeated Sam Noakes (11-0, 11 KO’s) is due to fight at the same venue this Friday (Dec 1).
The Undisputed 