Written by: Shawn Cross
Undisputed and undefeated women’s lightweight champion Katie Taylor will rise in bantamweight to take on Chantelle Cameron on May 20 in Ireland. If Taylor emerges victorious from the contest, she will be an undisputed second-tier champion — a rarity in any boxing era, let alone today. Taylor was originally supposed to fight a rematch with Amanda Serrano who she engaged in an all out war with last year. However, Serrano was forced to withdraw from her opportunity to avenge her loss to Taylor due to an injury. Then, Taylor made the decision to find herself the next biggest challenge available.
“Once Serrano pulled away, that was the natural fight to do,” Taylor said in a press release on Saturday. “They are two undefeated and undisputed world champions pitted against each other, and I think this is the first time this has happened in the modern era of the sport.” Aside from the chance to win another undisputed world title, Taylor is also very excited to fight in her native Ireland. “People have been talking about this fight for a long time now, so I’m glad it happened and I’m looking forward to becoming the undisputed bantamweight champion in Dublin on May 20,” she said.
However, 17-0 Cameron is also elated at the opportunity to face off against Taylor, since Taylor – with the possible exception of Clarissa Shields – is the most popular and respected woman in professional boxing. “It feels surreal that the fighting is really happening,” said Cameron from England. “I feel like my entire career has been built around this fight and I never imagined it would actually happen for one reason or another.” Now that she has a chance to defeat Taylor 22-0, Cameron is making it clear that she aims to make the most of it.
“Successfully defending my belts against Taylor would be the icing on the cake for me,” said Cameron. “To be unchallenged and then defend against the best pounds in women’s boxing would really mark my place in women’s boxing and create my own legacy.” There is no doubt that this quickly became a defining era for women’s boxing. Not only is the best fight the best, they do it regularly.
“I can’t wait to be part of the historic moment when Katie Taylor returns home to Ireland to try to make history and become the undisputed welterweight champion,” said Eddie Hearn Matchroom.
