Katie Taylor became the new undisputed world super flyweight champion after defeating Chantelle Cameron on points in an epic, unforgettable fight in Dublin on Saturday night. In the process, Taylor found the sweetest form of redemption as he avenged his narrow majority decision loss to Cameron in their first fight six months ago. This time, Taylor made the right decision with the margins of 98-92 and 96-94, while the third referee made the score a draw at 95-95.
Taylor also retains her status as world lightweight champion and is now in the unprecedented position of being the undisputed queen of two weight divisions simultaneously. By insisting that this rematch be held again in a league above his natural weight, he gave a lot of credit to Cameron, who, in addition to being five years younger than him, was much bigger and stronger. But Taylor is truly a remarkable fighter and deserved to win this scorching contest.
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In a dark and noisy arena, Taylor walked to the ring before Cameron, underlining that he had climbed into the ropes as the underdog for the first time in his career. But the enthusiastic reception from the fiercely partisan crowd as strips of green light finally illuminated his entrance reminded Cameron how much Taylor is valued in Ireland, where he remains the country’s most popular sports figure.
Taylor got out quickly and worked behind a slippery delivery as he delivered early and sharp strikes – but Cameron suddenly hit hard. Taylor stumbled backwards and fell to the canvas. The referee immediately awarded a slip, but Cameron’s hard strike appeared to shake Taylor.
Cameron was aggressive in the second round, trying to rough up Taylor in bruising exchanges. But as the two-minute round was fought furiously, Taylor attacked Cameron with a sharp punch. The pace was relentless in the third round too, with Taylor’s quick hands producing some effective combinations, followed by a nasty and accidental clash of heads that left a deep gash on Cameron’s forehead.
With 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the referee called the doctor to the ring apron so he could examine Cameron’s wound. He allowed him to continue, but as blood oozed from Cameron’s cut, Taylor tackled brilliantly with his back foot, nailing his opponent repeatedly. Cameron was having trouble landing his own punch as his forehead was marked with a red mark.
But Cameron still looked determined in the fifth round and increased the pressure, forcing Taylor to back up against the ropes. But Taylor’s terrific hand speed and ringcraft remained intact. As he progressed into the second half of the fight he was clearly winning a tough but extremely skilled fight. Taylor’s striking again dominated the sixth round but Cameron fought hard and still looked determined, also covered in cuts and bruises.
The seventh round was a fierce one, filled with courage and skill. Cameron’s punches were as hard as they were percussive, but Taylor shadowed the bullet. But he looked tired and Taylor was dragged into trench warfare in the eighth round rather than boxing from distance. A dramatic fight intensified in the penultimate round. Both fighters showed incredible desire and will as the crowd chanted “Katie…Katie…Katie…” and blood poured down Cameron’s face.
Cameron needed to be stopped as they went into the final round of a classic fight, but both women stood their ground; Taylor landed heavy combinations. But Cameron was undeterred and continued to fight. When the bell rang, the two women, both of whom bore the scars of war, were rightfully enthused by a crazy crowd.
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To defeat a champion as formidable as the previously undefeated Cameron, Taylor gave the best possible answer to many pundits and boxing pundits who believed he was on track for retirement at the age of 37. But his consummate skills and gritty determination put doubts to rest as Cameron won a rematch to much acclaim.
The decisive fight of the glorious trilogy, which will probably take place in Croke Park, will certainly take place next year. But for now, Taylor can enjoy a victory that will bring more satisfaction and relief than almost any other in his long and remarkable career. She is once again the queen of Ireland and women’s boxing.