Chantel Cameron and Natasha Jonas are both vying to become Katie Taylor’s next challenger following her trilogy bout against Amanda Serrano in New York this Saturday.
Katie Taylor, 38, with a record of 24-1 and 6 knockouts, hails from Bray, Ireland, but trains in Connecticut. She will be defending her world junior welterweight title for the second time this Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Amanda Serrano, 36, who moved from Puerto Rico to New York as a child, faced Taylor in what was seen as the biggest women’s boxing match in history last November, overcoming initial setbacks. However, Taylor gained strength in the later rounds and won by a unanimous 95-94 decision from all three judges. Taylor had also edged out Serrano in their first fight by a close split decision in April 2022.
Chantel Cameron, 34, from Northampton, England, currently training in Liverpool, will also fight on the same card against Jessica Kamala from Canada. Cameron handed Taylor her only loss in May 2023 by a majority decision, although Taylor avenged this defeat with another majority decision win in November 2023. Cameron is signed with Jake Paul’s promotional company and is the top contender for Taylor’s WBC belt, making her a leading candidate for the next fight.
Cameron, however, expressed uncertainty about a third fight with Taylor, revealing that a trilogy deal had almost been finalized but fell through because Taylor was reluctant to agree. Meanwhile, Natasha Jonas, 41, from Liverpool and a former world welterweight champion, has postponed retirement plans to potentially secure one last major fight against either Taylor or Serrano. Jonas lost her WBC and IBF titles to Lauren Price earlier this year. Jonas emphasized that a fight with Taylor would be ideal because of their history and the immense mental and physical challenge it represents.
Both Cameron and Jonas pointed out Taylor’s tendency to use her head during fights, which has led to controversial moments, including a point deduction against Serrano due to a headbutt. Cameron mentioned that her past opponents warned her about Taylor’s habit of leading with her head, which can be risky but is part of her fighting style. Jonas echoed concerns about head clashes, especially after Taylor was penalized in her fight against Serrano for similar incidents.
Jonas reflected on the close competition between Taylor and Serrano, especially in their second fight where Serrano’s injuries led to a shift in momentum. She acknowledged how both fighters have elevated women’s boxing, bringing significant attention and respect to the sport, thanks largely to their intense rivalry and professionalism in the ring.
Fan Take: This showdown for Taylor’s next opponent holds major significance for women’s boxing as it showcases the pinnacle of elite competition and rivalry in the sport. The outcome will not only shape the future of the lightweight division but also continue to elevate the global profile and prestige of women’s boxing among fighting fans.
