Katie Taylor turned the tables on Chantelle Cameron on Saturday, winning their rematch to become undisputed champion at 140 pounds.
Different fight, different result, same entertainment.
Katie Taylor avenged her loss to Chantelle Cameron in May by defeating her rival by a majority decision to take her rival’s undisputed 140-pound championship Saturday at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, Taylor’s home country.
One judge scored it 95-95 but the other two had Taylor winning, 98-92 and 96-94. Boxing Junkie scored it 97-93 for Taylor, seven rounds to three.
Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) is now undisputed champion at 140 and 135 pounds simultaneously, just one more feat in the former Olympic gold medalist’s remarkable professional career.
“Two-weight undisputed champion. That sounds very nice,” Taylor said in the ring as her fans cheered afterward.
Cameron (18-1, 8 KOs) was the aggressor much of the rough, exciting scrap but Taylor regularly beat her to the punch, greeting her foe with quick, hard combinations.
And after connecting on the scoring blows, Taylor routinely tied up Cameron so she would have difficulty responding.
The now-former champion had some good moments, particularly as the 37-year-old Taylor seemed to tire in the late rounds. However, Taylor was more consistent with her work and landed the cleaner punches.
Taylor outlanded Cameron in power punches 74-57, according to CompuBox.
Katie Taylor turned the tables on Chantelle Cameron on Saturday, winning their rematch to become undisputed champion at 140 pounds.
Different fight, different result, same entertainment.
Katie Taylor avenged her loss to Chantelle Cameron in May by defeating her rival by a majority decision to take her rival’s undisputed 140-pound championship Saturday at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, Taylor’s home country.
One judge scored it 95-95 but the other two had Taylor winning, 98-92 and 96-94. Boxing Junkie scored it 97-93 for Taylor, seven rounds to three.
Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) is now undisputed champion at 140 and 135 pounds simultaneously, just one more feat in the former Olympic gold medalist’s remarkable professional career.
“Two-weight undisputed champion. That sounds very nice,” Taylor said in the ring as her fans cheered afterward.
Cameron (18-1, 8 KOs) was the aggressor much of the rough, exciting scrap but Taylor regularly beat her to the punch, greeting her foe with quick, hard combinations.
And after connecting on the scoring blows, Taylor routinely tied up Cameron so she would have difficulty responding.
The now-former champion had some good moments, particularly as the 37-year-old Taylor seemed to tire in the late rounds. However, Taylor was more consistent with her work and landed the cleaner punches.
Taylor outlanded Cameron in power punches 74-57, according to CompuBox.
At stake: Cameron’s IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles
Odds: Cameron 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Gary Cully vs. Reece Mould, lightweights; Paddy Donovan vs. Danny Ball, welterweights; Skye Nicolson vs. Lucy Wildheart, featherweights; John Cooney vs. Liam Gaynor, featherweights
Prediction: Taylor UD
Background: Cameron will try to duplicate her performance of May 20, when she became the first to defeat Katie Taylor in defense of her undisputed 140-pound championship at 3Arena. The 32-year-old from England won by a majority decision. She won her first junior welterweight title when she outpointed Adriana dos Santos Araujo in 2020 and added three more titles along the way, two in her breakthrough unanimous decision victory in a title-unification bout against Jessica McCaskill in November of last year. Taylor, who maintains her 135-pound titles, is arguably the face of women’s boxing but is at a crossroads. She’s 37 and faces the prospect of back-to-back losses. Taylor is from Bray, Ireland, on the outskirts of Dublin.
At stake: Cameron’s IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles
Odds: Cameron 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Gary Cully vs. Reece Mould, lightweights; Paddy Donovan vs. Danny Ball, welterweights; Skye Nicolson vs. Lucy Wildheart, featherweights; John Cooney vs. Liam Gaynor, featherweights
Prediction: Taylor UD
Background: Cameron will try to duplicate her performance of May 20, when she became the first to defeat Katie Taylor in defense of her undisputed 140-pound championship at 3Arena. The 32-year-old from England won by a majority decision. She won her first junior welterweight title when she outpointed Adriana dos Santos Araujo in 2020 and added three more titles along the way, two in her breakthrough unanimous decision victory in a title-unification bout against Jessica McCaskill in November of last year. Taylor, who maintains her 135-pound titles, is arguably the face of women’s boxing but is at a crossroads. She’s 37 and faces the prospect of back-to-back losses. Taylor is from Bray, Ireland, on the outskirts of Dublin.
Fight Week: David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade and Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II
FIGHT WEEK
David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade will face off in a pivotal 168-pound fight for both men Saturday in Las Vegas. Also Saturday, in Ireland, Chantelle Cameron will fight Katie Taylor a second time.
DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)
vs. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Michelob Ultra Arena (Mandalay Bay), Las Vegas
TV/Stream: Pay-per-view
Division: Super middleweight (168 pounds)
At stake: No major titles
Odds: Benavidez 3-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Jermall Charlo vs. Jose Benavidez Jr., super middleweights; Subriel Matias vs. Shohjahon Ergashev, junior welterweights (for Matias’ IBF junior title); Hector Luis Garcia vs. Lamont Roach, junior lightweights (for Garcia’s WBA title); Sergey Lipinets vs. Michel Rivera, junior welterweights
Prediction: Benavidez KO 10
Background: Benavidez continues on his path toward a showdown with 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez but must pass a tough test in Andrade first. The 26-year-old former two-time titleholder is coming off a unanimous decision over rival Caleb Plant this past March. That snapped the offensive dynamo’s streak of knockouts at six. This is the biggest opportunity in the career of the 35-year-old Andrade, who has been one of the most avoided fighters in the world. The slick, awkward southpaw has been untouchable in his long career but has not faced a top-tier opponent. The former two-division beltholder is coming off a shutout decision over Demond Nicholson in January, his first fight as a 168-pounder. Andrade would be in a strong position to challenge Alvarez if he wins. Also on the card, 160-pound champ Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) will return after a 2½-year layoff. He will face Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-2-1, 19 KOs), David’s older brother. Subriel Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) will defend his 140-pound title against Shohjahon Ergashev (23-0, 20 KOs). And 130-pound beltholder Hector Luis Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs) will defend against Lamont Roach (23-1-1, 9 KOs).
CHANTELLE CAMERON (27-0, 23 KOs)
vs. KATIE TAYLOR (18-0, 8 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. in U.K.) (main event later in show)
At stake: Cameron’s IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles
Odds: Cameron 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Gary Cully vs. Reece Mould, lightweights; Paddy Donovan vs. Danny Ball, welterweights; Skye Nicolson vs. Lucy Wildheart, featherweights; John Cooney vs. Liam Gaynor, featherweights
Prediction: Taylor UD
Background: Cameron will try to duplicate her performance of May 20, when she became the first to defeat Katie Taylor in defense of her undisputed 140-pound championship at 3Arena. The 32-year-old from England won by a majority decision. She won her first junior welterweight title when she outpointed Adriana dos Santos Araujo in 2020 and added three more titles along the way, two in her breakthrough unanimous decision victory in a title-unification bout against Jessica McCaskill in November of last year. Taylor, who maintains her 135-pound titles, is arguably the face of women’s boxing but is at a crossroads. She’s 37 and faces the prospect of back-to-back losses. Taylor is from Bray, Ireland, on the outskirts of Dublin.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY
Greg Vendetti vs. Geronimo Sacco, junior middleweights, Windham, New Hampshire (CombatSportsNow)
Fight Week: David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade and Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II
FIGHT WEEK
David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade will face off in a pivotal 168-pound fight for both men Saturday in Las Vegas. Also Saturday, in Ireland, Chantelle Cameron will fight Katie Taylor a second time.
DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)
vs. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Michelob Ultra Arena (Mandalay Bay), Las Vegas
TV/Stream: Pay-per-view
Division: Super middleweight (168 pounds)
At stake: No major titles
Odds: Benavidez 3-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Jermall Charlo vs. Jose Benavidez Jr., super middleweights; Subriel Matias vs. Shohjahon Ergashev, junior welterweights (for Matias’ IBF junior title); Hector Luis Garcia vs. Lamont Roach, junior lightweights (for Garcia’s WBA title); Sergey Lipinets vs. Michel Rivera, junior welterweights
Prediction: Benavidez KO 10
Background: Benavidez continues on his path toward a showdown with 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez but must pass a tough test in Andrade first. The 26-year-old former two-time titleholder is coming off a unanimous decision over rival Caleb Plant this past March. That snapped the offensive dynamo’s streak of knockouts at six. This is the biggest opportunity in the career of the 35-year-old Andrade, who has been one of the most avoided fighters in the world. The slick, awkward southpaw has been untouchable in his long career but has not faced a top-tier opponent. The former two-division beltholder is coming off a shutout decision over Demond Nicholson in January, his first fight as a 168-pounder. Andrade would be in a strong position to challenge Alvarez if he wins. Also on the card, 160-pound champ Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) will return after a 2½-year layoff. He will face Jose Benavidez Jr. (28-2-1, 19 KOs), David’s older brother. Subriel Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) will defend his 140-pound title against Shohjahon Ergashev (23-0, 20 KOs). And 130-pound beltholder Hector Luis Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs) will defend against Lamont Roach (23-1-1, 9 KOs).
CHANTELLE CAMERON (27-0, 23 KOs)
vs. KATIE TAYLOR (18-0, 8 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. in U.K.) (main event later in show)
At stake: Cameron’s IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles
Odds: Cameron 1½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Gary Cully vs. Reece Mould, lightweights; Paddy Donovan vs. Danny Ball, welterweights; Skye Nicolson vs. Lucy Wildheart, featherweights; John Cooney vs. Liam Gaynor, featherweights
Prediction: Taylor UD
Background: Cameron will try to duplicate her performance of May 20, when she became the first to defeat Katie Taylor in defense of her undisputed 140-pound championship at 3Arena. The 32-year-old from England won by a majority decision. She won her first junior welterweight title when she outpointed Adriana dos Santos Araujo in 2020 and added three more titles along the way, two in her breakthrough unanimous decision victory in a title-unification bout against Jessica McCaskill in November of last year. Taylor, who maintains her 135-pound titles, is arguably the face of women’s boxing but is at a crossroads. She’s 37 and faces the prospect of back-to-back losses. Taylor is from Bray, Ireland, on the outskirts of Dublin.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY
Greg Vendetti vs. Geronimo Sacco, junior middleweights, Windham, New Hampshire (CombatSportsNow)
Fighter of the Month: Chantelle Cameron took down a legend in Katie Taylor on May 20 in Ireland.
It was starting to look as if Katie Taylor would never lose.
The Irish icon has dominated most opponents in her remarkable career. And even in competitive fights, the 2012 Olympic champion always found a way to have her hand raised.
Then she fought Chantelle Cameron on May 20 in Dublin, near Taylor’s hometown of Bray. And, in the end, it was Cameron’s record that remained perfect.
The 32-year-old Englishwoman pressured Taylor, 36, from the opening bell and never let up, ultimately outworking her more celebrated foe to win a majority decision and retain her 140-pound titles in a close fight.
Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs) did a good job of timing her punches as Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) marched forward but not quite good enough.
The scoring reflected the competitive nature of the fight, 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95, but few argued that Cameron didn’t earn the victory.
It was a extraordinary feat considering what Cameron was up against: arguably the biggest star in women’s boxing who was fighting in her home country for the first time as a professional, which added to Taylor’s motivation and created a hostile environment for Cameron.
Sure, Taylor, the 135-pound champ, moved up in weight to challenge Cameron. But Taylor briefly held a 140-pound title and Cameron fought much of her career as a 135-pounder. It was no physical mismatch.
Make no mistake: Cameron delivered a historic victory.
Taylor has indicated that she intends to exercise the rematch clause in the contract signed by the fighters. Regardless of what might happen in that fight, Cameron can always say with pride that she took down a legend in the legend’s backyard.
She deserves all the credit in the world.
“Katie’s a great fighter, pound-for-pound best woman boxer there is,” Cameron said afterward, “and I turned up for the occasion.”
Fighter of the Month: Chantelle Cameron took down a legend in Katie Taylor on May 20 in Ireland.
It was starting to look as if Katie Taylor would never lose.
The Irish icon has dominated most opponents in her remarkable career. And even in competitive fights, the 2012 Olympic champion always found a way to have her hand raised.
Then she fought Chantelle Cameron on May 20 in Dublin, near Taylor’s hometown of Bray. And, in the end, it was Cameron’s record that remained perfect.
The 32-year-old Englishwoman pressured Taylor, 36, from the opening bell and never let up, ultimately outworking her more celebrated foe to win a majority decision and retain her 140-pound titles in a close fight.
Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs) did a good job of timing her punches as Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) marched forward but not quite good enough.
The scoring reflected the competitive nature of the fight, 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95, but few argued that Cameron didn’t earn the victory.
It was a extraordinary feat considering what Cameron was up against: arguably the biggest star in women’s boxing who was fighting in her home country for the first time as a professional, which added to Taylor’s motivation and created a hostile environment for Cameron.
Sure, Taylor, the 135-pound champ, moved up in weight to challenge Cameron. But Taylor briefly held a 140-pound title and Cameron fought much of her career as a 135-pounder. It was no physical mismatch.
Make no mistake: Cameron delivered a historic victory.
Taylor has indicated that she intends to exercise the rematch clause in the contract signed by the fighters. Regardless of what might happen in that fight, Cameron can always say with pride that she took down a legend in the legend’s backyard.
She deserves all the credit in the world.
“Katie’s a great fighter, pound-for-pound best woman boxer there is,” Cameron said afterward, “and I turned up for the occasion.”
A critical look at the past week in boxing BIGGEST WINNER Devin Haney What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Devin Haney
What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer to retain his undisputed 135-pound championship. And he did it by coming through in the clutch: He won the 12th round on all three cards, which prevented a draw. It was the biggest accomplishment of the 24-year-old’s young career. He deserves credit. On the other hand, he was pushed to his limits by a 35-year-old who is naturally smaller than he is and thought to be in decline going into the fight. He landed the heavier shots in the first half only to wilt down the stretch, when Lomachenko seemed to grow stronger. The Ukrainian landed almost at will in Rounds 10 and 11, before Haney took his decisive stand. It was a good performance by Haney given the opposition but he didn’t come close to demonstrating in the fight that he’s the best lightweight, which he presumably hoped to do. It seems clear at the moment that Nos. 1 and 2 are Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, in whichever order you prefer. The good news for Haney? He’s still the champion. He has many good options going forward. And the experience gained in that fight will help grow as a fighter.
BIGGEST LOSER
Vasiliy Lomachenko
Vasiliy Lomachenko made a strong statement in defeat. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Lomachenko failed to realize a dream of becoming an undisputed champion. And at his age one wonders whether he’ll ever get another chance. That has to be devastating for him, particularly because he obviously thought he deserved to win the decision. He made a powerful statement, though. His unanimous decision loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2020, subsequent shoulder surgery and time away from boxing to do his part in his country’s war with Russia made the aging former pound-for-pound king almost an afterthought. He demonstrated on Saturday against one of the most-gifted young fighters that he remains a threat to anyone when he’s healthy. As he put it, “I think I showed that I can be in boxing.” Indeed, if anyone hesitated to include him among the short list of elite lightweights beforehand, they can’t now. The question is: Can he get another big opportunity? It’s possible. Haney might move up to 140 pounds, which would open up his titles. Lomachenko would be among those in position to fight for a belt. And both Davis and Stevenson need high-profile opponents. If they can’t get Haney, Lomachenko would an excellent choice after his strong performance on Saturday. To be clear: Loma is back.
MOST OPTIONS
Haney
Shakur Stevenson is among many potential foes for Devin Haney. Steve Marcus / Getty Images
Haney said he has “accomplished everything at 135” when he was explaining why it might be the right time for him to move up to 140 pounds. Has he really accomplished everything? He will have reigned as undisputed champion, defeated George Kambosos Jr. twice and managed to get past Lomachenko, which is impressive. However, he will not have faced arguably his two biggest threats, Davis and Stevenson. If he moves up to 140 without fighting them, he will have a glaring gap in his 135-pound resume. And make no mistake: Both Davis and Stevenson would love the opportunity to fight for all four major belts. Of course, Haney would be wise to move up to 140 if making 135 has become too difficult. There are wonderful challenges waiting for him at that weight, too: the winner of the June 10 Josh Taylor-Teofimo Lopez fight, Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, Jose Ramirez and others. Bottom line: Haney will have plenty of intriguing options regardless of what he decides to do.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Chantelle Cameron
Cameron’s historic majority decision victory over previously unbeaten Katie Taylor in Taylor’s homecoming Saturday in Dublin, Ireland was no fluke: She earned it. The undisputed 140-pound champion from England put pressure on the 135-pound champ from the opening bell until her hand was raised after 10 hard-fought, entertaining rounds. Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) now arguably sits below only Claressa Shields in the pound-for-pound rankings, which is a major breakthrough for the talented 32-year-old. Taylor? First, kudos to her for taking such a difficult fight in what could’ve been a mere showcase in her first professional fight in her native country. She wanted the milestone bout to be meaningful. And there’s no shame in losing to excellent, naturally bigger opponent in an attempt to become “undisputed” in another weight class. She did a good job of timing her hard-charging opponent with quick, accurate punches only to come up just short on the cards, 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95. The setback leaves Shields alone at the top but no one is going to write off Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs). She proved she remains an elite fighter at 36. She obviously has a lot more to give.
RABBIT PUNCHES
The fact Haney received the nod over Lomachenko in a close, give-and-take fight was not out of line. I scored it 114-114 but a 115-113 score – the tally of two judges – either way would’ve been acceptable. The only problem I had with the scoring was veteran judge Dave Moretti’s card. He had it 116-112 for Haney, which I thought was too wide but not outrageous. What was baffling was the fact he gave Haney five of the final six rounds, when Lomachenko was at his best. I can’t even imagine what Moretti saw. … A new Japanese star has arrived on the scene. Junto Nakatani (25-0, 19 KOs) gave an eye-opening performance on the Haney-Lomachenko card, putting Andrew Moloney (25-3, 16 KOs) down three times and stopping him with as brutal a punch as you’ll ever see to win a vacant 115-pound title. Nakatani couldn’t have made a stronger statement. The likes of Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Bam Rodriguez are officially on notice. … Former two-division titleholder Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs) looked sharp in his comeback fight against capable, but light-punching Adam Lopez (16-5, 6 KOs) on the Haney-Lomachenko card, winning a wide decision to establish himself as a legitimate 135-pound contender. Valdez was coming off his worst night as a pro, a wide-decision loss to Stevenson that cost him his 130-pound belt.
A critical look at the past week in boxing BIGGEST WINNER Devin Haney What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Devin Haney
What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer to retain his undisputed 135-pound championship. And he did it by coming through in the clutch: He won the 12th round on all three cards, which prevented a draw. It was the biggest accomplishment of the 24-year-old’s young career. He deserves credit. On the other hand, he was pushed to his limits by a 35-year-old who is naturally smaller than he is and thought to be in decline going into the fight. He landed the heavier shots in the first half only to wilt down the stretch, when Lomachenko seemed to grow stronger. The Ukrainian landed almost at will in Rounds 10 and 11, before Haney took his decisive stand. It was a good performance by Haney given the opposition but he didn’t come close to demonstrating in the fight that he’s the best lightweight, which he presumably hoped to do. It seems clear at the moment that Nos. 1 and 2 are Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, in whichever order you prefer. The good news for Haney? He’s still the champion. He has many good options going forward. And the experience gained in that fight will help grow as a fighter.
BIGGEST LOSER
Vasiliy Lomachenko
Vasiliy Lomachenko made a strong statement in defeat. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Lomachenko failed to realize a dream of becoming an undisputed champion. And at his age one wonders whether he’ll ever get another chance. That has to be devastating for him, particularly because he obviously thought he deserved to win the decision. He made a powerful statement, though. His unanimous decision loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2020, subsequent shoulder surgery and time away from boxing to do his part in his country’s war with Russia made the aging former pound-for-pound king almost an afterthought. He demonstrated on Saturday against one of the most-gifted young fighters that he remains a threat to anyone when he’s healthy. As he put it, “I think I showed that I can be in boxing.” Indeed, if anyone hesitated to include him among the short list of elite lightweights beforehand, they can’t now. The question is: Can he get another big opportunity? It’s possible. Haney might move up to 140 pounds, which would open up his titles. Lomachenko would be among those in position to fight for a belt. And both Davis and Stevenson need high-profile opponents. If they can’t get Haney, Lomachenko would an excellent choice after his strong performance on Saturday. To be clear: Loma is back.
MOST OPTIONS
Haney
Shakur Stevenson is among many potential foes for Devin Haney. Steve Marcus / Getty Images
Haney said he has “accomplished everything at 135” when he was explaining why it might be the right time for him to move up to 140 pounds. Has he really accomplished everything? He will have reigned as undisputed champion, defeated George Kambosos Jr. twice and managed to get past Lomachenko, which is impressive. However, he will not have faced arguably his two biggest threats, Davis and Stevenson. If he moves up to 140 without fighting them, he will have a glaring gap in his 135-pound resume. And make no mistake: Both Davis and Stevenson would love the opportunity to fight for all four major belts. Of course, Haney would be wise to move up to 140 if making 135 has become too difficult. There are wonderful challenges waiting for him at that weight, too: the winner of the June 10 Josh Taylor-Teofimo Lopez fight, Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, Jose Ramirez and others. Bottom line: Haney will have plenty of intriguing options regardless of what he decides to do.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Chantelle Cameron
Cameron’s historic majority decision victory over previously unbeaten Katie Taylor in Taylor’s homecoming Saturday in Dublin, Ireland was no fluke: She earned it. The undisputed 140-pound champion from England put pressure on the 135-pound champ from the opening bell until her hand was raised after 10 hard-fought, entertaining rounds. Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) now arguably sits below only Claressa Shields in the pound-for-pound rankings, which is a major breakthrough for the talented 32-year-old. Taylor? First, kudos to her for taking such a difficult fight in what could’ve been a mere showcase in her first professional fight in her native country. She wanted the milestone bout to be meaningful. And there’s no shame in losing to excellent, naturally bigger opponent in an attempt to become “undisputed” in another weight class. She did a good job of timing her hard-charging opponent with quick, accurate punches only to come up just short on the cards, 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95. The setback leaves Shields alone at the top but no one is going to write off Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs). She proved she remains an elite fighter at 36. She obviously has a lot more to give.
RABBIT PUNCHES
The fact Haney received the nod over Lomachenko in a close, give-and-take fight was not out of line. I scored it 114-114 but a 115-113 score – the tally of two judges – either way would’ve been acceptable. The only problem I had with the scoring was veteran judge Dave Moretti’s card. He had it 116-112 for Haney, which I thought was too wide but not outrageous. What was baffling was the fact he gave Haney five of the final six rounds, when Lomachenko was at his best. I can’t even imagine what Moretti saw. … A new Japanese star has arrived on the scene. Junto Nakatani (25-0, 19 KOs) gave an eye-opening performance on the Haney-Lomachenko card, putting Andrew Moloney (25-3, 16 KOs) down three times and stopping him with as brutal a punch as you’ll ever see to win a vacant 115-pound title. Nakatani couldn’t have made a stronger statement. The likes of Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Bam Rodriguez are officially on notice. … Former two-division titleholder Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs) looked sharp in his comeback fight against capable, but light-punching Adam Lopez (16-5, 6 KOs) on the Haney-Lomachenko card, winning a wide decision to establish himself as a legitimate 135-pound contender. Valdez was coming off his worst night as a pro, a wide-decision loss to Stevenson that cost him his 130-pound belt.
