Former world champion Chantelle Cameron is “on a mission” to reclaim her undisputed light-welterweight crown but doubts her rival Katie Taylor will agree to a trilogy bout.
Briton Cameron, 33, was outpointed by Taylor in Dublin in November, having previously beaten the Irishwoman on points in their first meeting in May 2023.
The Northampton fighter returns to the ring against Elhem Mekhaled at Birmingham’s Resort World Arena on Saturday.
“I’m on a mission for my belts and I want to get them as soon as I can,” Cameron told BBC Sport. Cameron unified the division against Jessica McCaskill in 2022, becoming the first English boxer to hold all four recognized world titles.
Her breakthrough into boxing’s mainstream, however, came through two high-quality contests with Irish superstar Taylor.
Having inflicted Taylor’s first career defeat, Cameron also experienced her first loss in the rematch, with negotiations for a third bout stalling.
“I don’t think Katie wants to fight me again,” Cameron said. “She knows she got that win in November and she’d rather not fight me. I’d be very optimistic of winning a third fight.”
‘I needed new eyes to give me that fire again’ Cameron emphasizes the importance of “not getting complacent by overlooking” durable Frenchwoman Mekhaled.
Mekhaled, 33, has won 12 pro bouts, with her two losses coming against world-class fighters Delfine Persoon and Alycia Baumgardner.
“I think I’m the best 140lb fighter and so I won’t take easy fights and try to con my supporters who are buying tickets,” Cameron added.
Cameron will be backed by a new-look team, having relocated from Manchester to Sheffield by replacing trainer Jamie Moore with Grant Smith.
She will also be competing under the Queensberry Promotions banner after parting ways with Matchroom Boxing.
“It wasn’t about the loss – no matter what happened in my last fight I was going to make the changes,” Cameron added.
“I needed something new, new eyes on me to give me that fire again and get that hunger and love back for boxing.
“I have had my first loss and have nothing to lose now. My record has that blemish on it. For me now, it’s going in there and making statements, getting back to winning ways in good fashion.”
Credit: BBC Sport
