Nick Peet: Cameron vs Taylor 2 Preview

KATIE Taylor faces the toughest test of her Hall of Fame boxing career at home tomorrow, taking on not one but two unbeaten opponents.

Undisputed super-lightweight world champion Chantelle Cameron will be present, in the opposing corner once more at Dublin’s 3arena.

But, also inside the ring, in a conceptual sense, is Father Time, as Taylor ring walks now with three decades of competition weighing heavy on her shoulders.

Back in May, it was Cameron who spoiled Taylor’s long-awaited Irish homecoming, holding onto all four of her 10-stone world titles courtesy of a 10-round points decision.

Taylor struggled to cope with the champion’s size and speed, and has subsequently blown the candles off another birthday cake – she’s now 37 – since losing for the first time as a pro.

UNNATURAL UNDERDOG

As in life, age is undefeated in sports. To finally have her hand raised at home, Taylor must defy both odds and expectation – something she has, admittedly, done many times in the past.

From posing as a boy simply to box in Ireland in her junior years, to fighting against the establishment domestically and internationally to put women’s boxing on the same pedestal as men’s.

Taylor has redefined what it means to be a professional female boxer and her legacy will live on for generations to come.

But prize-fighting can be cruel and very rarely allows even its greatest of champions to exit with a fairy tale finale.

More often than not, it’s one or two fights too many that allows the next star to capitalise by catching the big name at the right time.

AND STILL…

After her dominant display in their first fight, defending champion Cameron finds herself now a solid favourite for the rematch.

Northampton’s ‘Il Capo’ (18-0, 8 KO’s), knows what to expect from the hostile Irish support this time and knows she can score on Taylor both early and late in the fight.

Winning just one of the opening five rounds on May 20th, Taylor started far too slowly. And, while she came back into it, it was too little too late to swing the judge’s scorecards.

The challenger (21-1, 6 KO’s) must start the way she ended, but to do that will mean a huge increase in her output which offers increased openings for 32-year-old Cameron.

How much has Katie got left to give in the twilight of her incredible career.

It speaks volumes about Taylor that even now, in incredibly her 18th consecutive world title fight, she’s aiming to add to her legacy.

Nobody could begrudge her having one last great night inside the ropes. Few have ever been as deserving of the title: two-weight undisputed champion of the world.

REMATCH READY

Both know what to expect – from one another and the occasion – which should mean this fight starts far quicker than the last.

But Cameron’s natural size – she’s a couple of inches taller and longer than Taylor – along with less miles on the clock play to the adage ‘a good big un beats a good little un’.

Taylor will have her moments, and much earlier in the fight, but fairy tales are made in Disneyland not Dublin and once Cameron starts pushing forward and landing frequently Taylor’s ageing body will succumb.

TIP: Cameron by TKO, Rounds 8-10

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