Katie Taylor has vowed to continue proving doubters wrong as she aims to become an undisputed two-weight champion in Saturday’s clash with Chantelle Cameron.
Irish superstar Taylor moves up to super lightweight to take on undefeated Cameron, who became undisputed champion with her unanimous decision win over Jessica McCaskill in November last year.
The 36-year-old knows there will be those to rule her out ahead of the Dublin showdown, despite compiling a 22-0 (6) record since turning professional and becoming the first fighter to defeat Amanda Serrano in her undisputed lightweight title. split decision matchup in New York last April. She embraces those doubts.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Katie Taylor thinks her long-awaited return fight in Dublin against Chantelle Cameron is a “special fight”.
“I also like to prove people wrong – I like when certain people bet against me,” Taylor said. “It was the same in the Amanda Serrano fight.
“A lot of people had him as a favorite in that fight and I love that I got through and proved those people wrong and I have a chance to do it again on fight night.
“Definitely, very, very excited for this fight and very motivated. I feel in great shape and I feel like it’s going to be the best night of my career so far.”
Like Taylor, Cameron has managed to take on all comers since turning professional in 2017, with the Northampton fighter posting a 17-0(8) record en route to securing her place at the top of the welterweight division .
I also like to prove people wrong – I like when some people bet against me.
The 31-year-old has been on Taylor’s radar as a potential opponent for some time now and when Serrano pulled out of a potential rematch due to injury, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist was quick to target Cameron.
“I’ve had my eye on Chantelle for a few years now,” Taylor said. “It’s a fight that I’ve always wanted myself and making the adjustment from Amanda Serrano to Chantelle Cameron has been fantastic because the motivation is higher than ever for this fight for me.
“I think it would have been a lot worse if I went from an Amanda Serrano fight to a mandatory opponent, a fight that I couldn’t really stand up for. It’s a fight that I’m really motivated for, and she is too.
“I know I’m going to have to look my best on fight night and people are saying it’s going to be an even better fight than the Amanda Serrano fight, so there’s a huge appetite for this fight. I’m just excited about it and thrilled that this fight could happen.”
Chantelle Cameron aims to inflict Katie Taylor the first loss of her professional career
Saturday’s fight at Dublin’s 3Arena will be Taylor’s first time fighting in her home country as a professional and will take place in front of a crowd of around 8,000.
Taylor is thrilled to finally be able to box at home again and wants nothing more than to give those fans something to cheer about.
“I’ve always had the support of my local fans and it’s great to have the chance to box here,” Taylor said.
“A few years ago, I didn’t think it would happen, to have a chance to fight at home so in front of the people who have always supported me since the amateur days.
“I’m so, so excited and because of that, this could be the biggest moment of my career so far – having a shot at becoming an undisputed two-weight world champion in front of my hometown crowd, in front of the people who have supported me for years and years.”