By: Sean Crose
Undisputed and undefeated women’s lightweight champion Katie Taylor will put on weight to face Chantelle Cameron on May 20 in Ireland. If Taylor wins the competition, she’ll be the undisputed champion in two divisions – a rarity in any boxing era, much less today. Taylor was originally supposed to be rematching Amanda Serrano, whom she engaged in an all-out fight with last year. However, Serrano had to give up the chance to avenge the loss to Taylor due to injury. Then Taylor decided to find herself the next biggest challenge.
“Once Serrano withdrew, this was the natural fight to take,” Taylor said in a press release Saturday. “It’s two reigning, undefeated world champions going head-to-head and I believe it’s the first time that’s happened in the modern era of the sport.” Aside from the chance to win another undisputed world title, Taylor is also super excited to compete in her native Ireland. She said: “People have been talking about this fight for a long time, so I’m glad it’s happening and I’m looking forward to being a Two-Weight Undisputed Champion in Dublin on May 20. .”
However, Cameron 17-0 is also delighted with the opportunity to face Taylor, as – possibly with the exception of Claressa Shields – Taylor is the most famous and highly regarded woman in professional boxing. UK’s Cameron said: “It’s strange that the war is actually going on. “It seems like my entire professional career has been based on this fight and I never imagined it would actually happen for one reason or another.” Now that she has a chance to beat Taylor 22-0, Cameron made it clear she aims to make the most of that opportunity.
Cameron said: “Successfully defending my belt against Taylor would be great pleasure for me. “To be undisputed and then defend them against the strongest opponent in women’s boxing would really mark my place in women’s boxing and create my own legacy.” Without a doubt, this is fast becoming a defining era of women’s boxing. The best not only fight the best, but they do so often.
“I can’t wait to be a part of the historic moment when Katie Taylor returns home to Ireland to try to make history and become the undisputed two-weight champion,” said the honoree of the Matchroom, says Eddie Hearn.
