It's fight week for Katie Taylor & Chantelle Cameron
Plus: Harper/Braekhus; Hamadouce retires; Ramla Ali's next fight; Boxer biopics in the making
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Taylor vs. Cameron this Saturday
This Saturday is the highly anticipated fight between undisputed Lightweight champion Katie Taylor and undisputed Super Lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron - and Katie Taylor’s historic homecoming to Ireland.
For Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs), fighting in Ireland is a dream come true. And Irish fans feel the same way. UFC star Conor McGregor even signed on to sponsor the fight on behalf of his drink company Forged Irish Stout. Speaking to the Independent, she said:
“This is a huge occasion for me and I’m just delighted to have a chance to fight at home. A few years ago, I didn’t think this was ever going to happen so I’m just so excited about it.”
The 36 year old was originally slated to fight Amanda Serrano, but Serrano sustained an injury and pulled out, leaving an opening for England’s Chantelle Cameron (17-0, 8 KOs) to step in to. For Cameron, this fight is about solidifying her status as a respected champion:
"I have a fire in my belly," Cameron said to BBC Sport. "The amount I have been overlooked, already people are looking past me.
"I'm the champion, I've got the belts, but I'm not being treated like that." - via Boxing Scene
Despite this perceived slight by the boxing community, Cameron is all respect towards Taylor, who she feels paved the way for women boxers. Giving Taylor this hometown fight.
"If it wasn't for Katie, I wouldn't be in this position because of what she has done for women's boxing," Cameron said. "She has been incredible and she should have had her homecoming fight long before this, because she deserves it." - via ESPN
For fans, this fight is the kind of fight we’ve come to expect from women’s boxing - the best fighting the best. As far as predictions go - it’s a tough one. I do think Taylor is the favorite, but Cameron is definitely being underestimated, and Taylor’s age betrayed her a bit in her fight with Amanda Serrano. I’m wondering if this might be the last fight for Katie Taylor before retirement - on her own terms.
On the undercard: Harper vs. Braekhus, Courtney vs. Radomska
The co-main fight for this event is an exciting match between Terri Harper (13-1, 6 KOs) and Cecilia “The First Lady” Braekhus (37-2, 9 KOs) in Harper’s first WBA Super Welterweight title defense.
Braekhus is a former champion, but lost her undisputed Welterweight title to Jessica McCaskill in 2020. She’s been fighting her way back up and hopes at 41 to remain a force in women’s boxing at this new weight class.
Harper beat Hannah Rankin last September to claim the WBA title, moving up from 135 to 154, and is eager to prove that she belongs among the cohort of current champions.
I think we may be seeing a passing of the torch in this fight - it might come down to who is hungrier for the win.
The fight night will also feature a 6 round bout between Matchroom up-and-comer MaiseyRose Courtney (2-0) and Irish fighter Kate Radomska (3-1). Radomska is a former kickboxer who made the switch to boxing, and is considered the underdog in this fight despite it being in her home country - but she’s no pushover. I think this fight will be a good chance for Courtney to face some real adversity and maybe even get her first L…we’ll see.
Maiva Hamadouche announces retirement
French former title holder Maiva Hamadouche has announced her retirement from professional boxing after sustaining an eye injury that would make it too dangerous to continue. Hamadouche’s last fight was in 2021 against Mikaela Mayer, which I was lucky enough to attend - she put on a crazy show of stamina and heart even though she ultimately lost. She leaves the sport with a record of 22 wins, 2 losses and 18 KOs.
Ramla Ali to fight on Prograis vs. Paro undercard
According to ESPN, Junior Featherweight fighter Ramla Ali (8-2, 2 KOs) is set to fight Mexico’s Julissa Alejandra Guzman (12-2-2, 6 KOs) on the undercard of the upcoming June 17 Regis Prograis vs. Liam Paro fight, pending Guzman’s ability to acquire a Visa. Guzman is coming fresh off a first round knockout of Rosa Diaz Peralta (a week ago - May 6) and Ali last fought in February, winning a decision over Avril Mathie. It’s nice to see fighters willing to fight multiple times a year - both of them are eager to advance up the ranks as fast as possible.
Two upcoming biopics showcase Shields, Ali
Both Claressa Shields and Ramla Ali are set to have their life stories on the silver screen in 2023, with biopic films announced for each of them.
Flint Strong will follow Claressa Shields as she trains for the 2012 Summer Olympics - the first Olympic games where women could compete in boxing. The film is the directorial debut of cinematographer Rachel Morrison and will star Michigan native Ryan Destiny as Shields, with Brian Tyree Henry and Judy Greer also starring.
In The Shadows will tell Ramla Ali’s story of fleeing Somalia with her family for London and becoming a boxer. Letitia Wright, of Black Panther fame, is set to portray Ali and was seen attending Ali’s last fight against Avril Mathie, waving a Somalian flag in support.
Will you be watching this weekend? Let me know your predictions!