Undisputed lightweight world champion Katie Taylor enters this weekend’s world title rematch against Chantelle Cameron as the prefight underdog – understandably so – but there’s plenty at stake besides bragging rights, six months after their first bout at light-welterweight for the 32-year-old’s belts in a weight division above the Irishwoman’s natural size saw her fall short.
Taylor: I can’t wait to perform the way I know I can
Chantelle Cameron (c) vs. Katie Taylor (c) in rematch, six months after first fight
Il Capo to again defend undisputed light-welterweight world titles in Dublin
Live this Saturday on DAZN, main event ringwalks expected after 10.30pm BST
- During Thursday’s final press conference, Taylor said: “I have a second chance here and just can’t wait to fight at this stage. Whether I’m seen as the underdog or favourite, whoever walks to the ring first or second… all that stuff is irrelevant. I’m just excited, hungry for the rematch and can’t wait to step in there and perform the way I know I can.”
- Cameron campaigned hard publicly for the rematch to take place at Taylor’s natural 135lb weight, so the jeopardy could be reversed – but Taylor’s camp believe they’ve seen enough to suggest victory is possible against a bigger and stronger opponent in the Northampton boxe
- Questions over retirement have naturally intensified in recent months, especially should Taylor lose a second time here, but undisputed world featherweight champion Amanda Serrano stressed she still harbours hopes of a Taylor rematch herself in BBC Sport column this week
Put quite simply, a Katie Taylor victory this weekend in her Chantelle Cameron rematch would rank as perhaps the best and most defiant achievement yet.
That’s the size of the task awaiting a 37-year-old who has, for all her world title wins and legacy-building moments, looked increasingly human in her last few fights. Not only are pundits and fans spotting these tendencies, but various challengers to the throne across multiple weight divisions are too.
Cameron outboxed Taylor over 20 minutes in Dublin six months ago, but it was originally supposed to be the Amanda Serrano rematch on that date.
She had no qualms about entering the lion’s den and doing enough to prevail on enemy soil, something virtually unheard of even up until two years ago.
Natasha Jonas came close, Delfine Persoon even closer and more besides. It wasn’t enough, but now the prospect of retirement is looming large.
Talk about adjustments and learning from mistakes goes both ways too. Cameron has promised to be even better this time around, buoyed by the confidence an undisputed champion would have after inflicting an icon’s first pro defeat.
Couple that with the fact she’s naturally bigger, stronger and five years younger, Taylor would be wise to stay off the ropes and utilise her speed in pockets of space if she’s to have more success here.
Easier said than done, against a fellow world champion applying pressure in spurts and not allowing you room to manoeuvre around the ring as she does.
Cameron outworked her last time around and although Taylor’s durability has never been questioned like this, she’s been involved in a series of deceptively hard fights as aforementioned where scorecards don’t always tell the full story.
So, how will she respond when the going gets tough here? Will Cameron put further daylight between the pair, at different stages of their respective careers?
Full card is as follows
Chantelle Cameron (c) vs. Katie Taylor (c) for Cameron’s undisputed light-welterweight titles
10 rounds
Welterweight: Paddy Donovan vs. Danny Ball
Lightweight: Gary Cully vs. Reece Mould
10×2-minute rounds: Skye Nicolson vs. Lucy Wildheart for WBC interim world featherweight title
BBBofC Celtic super-featherweight strap: John Cooney vs. Liam Gaynor
8 rounds
Super-featherweight: Zelfa Barrett vs. Costin Ion
Heavyweight: Thomas Carty vs. Dan Garber
Light-heavyweight: Emmet Brennan vs. Jamie Morrissey for Boxing Union of Ireland Celtic title
Lightweight, 4 rounds: Giorgio Visioli vs. Lee Anthony Sibley
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes hyperlinked
Mo and Sports 