Katie Taylor Turns the Tables, Secures Victory Over Chantelle Cameron
Any doubts about Katie Taylor’s prowess and alleged decline at the age of 37 were emphatically dispelled on Saturday night at Dublin’s bustling 3Arena. Six months after a controversial majority decision loss to Chantelle Cameron, Taylor staged a spectacular comeback, securing a decisive majority decision victory (98-92, 96-94, and 95-95) in their rematch.
This triumph not only reclaimed her status but also solidified her as the undisputed junior welterweight champion. Far from being on the decline, Taylor’s stellar performance hinted at more glorious nights ahead in her illustrious boxing career.
When Katie Taylor reflects on her remarkable career, avenging her sole professional defeat and clinching undisputed champion status in a second weight division (while holding the current lightweight undisputed title) will likely stand out as a pinnacle achievement.
Her journey began with a historic gold at the 2012 Olympics, marking the inaugural inclusion of women’s boxing in the Games.
The ascent continued in 2017 when Taylor secured her first world title, overcoming Delfine Persoon twice to claim undisputed lightweight champion status.
This already seemed like a career zenith, but Taylor’s narrative took an even more extraordinary turn when she triumphed over Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in April 2022. Widely hailed as the most significant women’s boxing event in the sport’s history, this victory added another illustrious chapter to Taylor’s storied career.
The initial matchup between Taylor and Cameron was crafted with the intent of a joyous homecoming, marking Taylor’s return to her native soil after seven years as a professional. However, the outcome wasn’t the fairy tale she had envisioned. Losing to the younger and larger Cameron in a weight class above her accustomed division forced Taylor to elevate her game for the rematch.
In a compelling turnaround, Taylor showcased the performance of her career precisely when it mattered most
In a compelling turnaround, Taylor showcased the performance of her career precisely when it mattered most. Channelling the doubts and the sting of her first professional loss, she transformed adversity into an opportunity for growth. Seizing the chance to refine her skills, Taylor dedicated herself to improvement at her training base in Vernon, Connecticut, ultimately turning the pain of defeat into a catalyst for her continued success.
Taylor’s dynamic performance showcased her speed, timing, and ring intelligence, securing her rounds before Cameron posed a growing threat in the later stages.
Eager for more, Taylor promptly called for a trilogy fight, a challenge that Cameron welcomed with open arms. While there’s a tantalising prospect of Cameron moving up a weight class for a showdown with the winner of the IBF welterweight championship between Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer on January 20, Taylor finds herself at a crossroads for the final chapter of her illustrious career.
One option on the table is a rematch with New York-based Puerto Rican powerhouse Amanda Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs), whom Taylor defeated by split decision at Madison Square Garden in April 2022.
Taylor’s natural size advantage adds a strategic edge in a potential rematch, especially considering Serrano’s recent successful defence as the undisputed featherweight champion against Danila Ramos. The enticing idea of luring Serrano to Ireland emerges, offering a bout with broader international appeal and arguably less risk for Taylor, creating a compelling narrative for the twilight of her remarkable career.
