Katie Taylor faces Chantelle Cameron in her long-awaited Ireland homecoming tonight. It seems utterly remarkable that the boxing pride of the Emerald Isle has never previously competed as a professional in her native country, but that finally changes tonight in front of an adoring sold-out crowd at the 3Arena in Dublin. While not quite Croke Park, there will still be a tremendous atmosphere in what Taylor believes will be the hardest bout of her illustrious career to date.
Rather than accept a low-level opponent or mandatory defence after the postponement of the much-hyped rematch with Amanda Serrano, the usually unassuming ‘Bray Bomber’ instead went on the offensive and pushed for a mammoth showdown with a fellow superstar in Cameron. Victory for either fighter tonight would see them go down in history as a two-weight undisputed world champion.
On tonight’s undercard, Terri Harper’s super-welterweight title defence against Cecilia Braekhus is off, but there is another world title showdown between JJ Metcalf and Dennis Hogan. Gary Cully, Thomas Carty, Caoimhin Agyarko and Paddy Donovan are among the other home favourites in action. Follow Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron live below!
Live updates
Latest odds
Taylor to win: 1/2
Cameron to win: 13/8
Draw: 14/1
Taylor to win by KO/TKO: 14/1
Cameron to win by KO/TKO: 10/1
Taylor to win by points or decision: 8/13
Cameron to win by points or decision: 12/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Taylor vs Cameron prediction
Taylor deserves huge credit for calling Cameron out and pushing for this fight after Serrano’s injury, when many in her position would have settled for an easier opponent and a more routine night back on home soil.
Wins over McCaskill and Mary McGee have shown just how good Cameron is, and with eight knockout wins to her name she will be confident of causing Taylor problems with her power, particularly with the size advantage as the Irish fighter moves up to 140lbs.
At times in the Serrano fight, Taylor was wobbled when the pair stood in the centre of the ring and traded, and while a repeat of those exchanges would mean another memorable fight is in store, it would leave the home favourite uncertain.
There will inevitably be plenty of moments when the pair do both let their hands go, particularly amid a raucous atmosphere, but Taylor’s speed and movement could be just enough to see her edge it, with Cameron likely needing to do something very special to get the decision in Dublin.
Taylor to win, via split decision.
Undercard/fight card in full
Terri Harper was due to defend her WBA and IBO super-welterweight titles tonight, but will now fight on the Mauricio Lara-Leigh Wood 2 undercard in Manchester next week instead after Norwegian challenger Cecilia Braekhus woke up unwell on Saturday. Thomas Carty’s bout with Jay McFarlane for the vacant Celtic heavyweight belt has been moved to the main card as a result.
Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron
Gary Cully vs Jose Felix
Dennis Hogan vs JJ Metcalf
Thomas Carty vs Jay McFarlane
Caoimhin Agyarko vs Grant Dennis
Maiseyrose Courtney vs Kate Radomska
Paddy Donovan vs Sam O’Maison
Start time: Undercard from 7pm, main event at 10:30pm
The main undercard is scheduled to get underway at 7pm BST, with ring walks for the main event itself expected at around 10:30pm. As ever though, those timings are subject to change.
How to watch Taylor vs Cameron
TV channel: Taylor vs Cameron is being shown live on Saturday night via DAZN, which is available on smart TVs and via Sky channel 429 in the UK. It is not on pay-per-view but instead part of the usual DAZN subscription.
Live stream: The DAZN app and website will offer a live stream service online across mobile devices, laptops, games consoles and more. A subscription to DAZN currently starts from £9.99 per month in the UK.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Katie Taylor’s HUGE fight at Dublin’s 3Arena tonight as one of the biggest names in boxing returns to her home.
It is the first time Taylor has boxed in the Irish capital as a pro and tonight’s fight is unique. Chantelle Cameron is about a tough and ask as they could come.
