Fresh off her decisive third victory over rival Amanda Serrano, a win that further cemented her status as arguably the greatest female boxer of all time, Katie Taylor found herself addressing the inevitable question: what`s next? While a rubber match against Chantelle Cameron might seem the logical next step, given their compelling 1-1 record, Taylor has introduced a notable element of doubt.
The two champions have history. In 2023, Cameron delivered a shock defeat to Taylor, handing the Irish legend her only professional loss in front of a raucous home crowd. Taylor, however, avenged that upset later the same year, reclaiming her undisputed super-lightweight titles in a gritty rematch. With the series tied, a third, decisive encounter felt almost predetermined, especially as Cameron secured a dominant points victory over Jessica Camara on the undercard of Taylor`s recent win against Serrano.
Despite Cameron`s performance and the compelling narrative of a trilogy, Taylor`s post-fight comments painted a surprisingly hesitant picture. When pressed about a potential third fight, the undisputed queen didn`t immediately embrace the idea. Instead, she shifted the focus from competitive history to commercial viability, questioning Cameron`s ability to draw a crowd. Taylor remarked, perhaps with a touch of pointed realism or strategic maneuvering, that Cameron should perhaps first see if she can “sell out a 1,000-seater arena.”
This isn`t the typical post-fight call-out. Taylor went further, suggesting she feels she has “made her more money than she really deserves,” implying Cameron`s profile has been significantly boosted by their previous encounters rather than her own standalone marketability. It`s a stark assessment from Taylor, a global sporting icon, directed at the fighter who holds a win over her.
Taylor`s stance introduces a fascinating wrinkle into the super-lightweight landscape. Is this a genuine concern about the financial success of a third fight compared to other potential opponents or ventures? Is it a tactical move to put pressure on Cameron and her team during potential negotiations? Or could it be a reflection of Taylor`s own future plans, potentially signaling a desire for different challenges or even hinting at retirement after a demanding period culminating in the Serrano trilogy?
For Chantelle Cameron, Taylor`s comments present a unique challenge. Despite her undisputed credentials and a victory over Taylor herself, she is being publicly tasked with proving her worth as a pay-per-view draw to earn the trilogy. The ball, it seems, is currently in Taylor`s court, and her recent remarks suggest that the path to a rubber match against Cameron is not as straightforward or immediate as many in the boxing world might have assumed.
The future remains uncertain, leaving fans to speculate on Taylor`s next move and whether Cameron can elevate her profile sufficiently to entice the undisputed champion back into the ring for a final, decisive chapter.
Tristan Blackwood