Undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor 22-1 (6) knows it’s all or nothing this weekend when she seeks revenge over undisputed junior welterweight champion Chantelle ‘Il Capo’ Cameron 18-0 (8) at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday night.
At 37, the Olympic gold medalist knows she is reaching the end of her storied career. A victory over Cameron to become a two-weight undisputed champion would be the cherry on top.
In their first bout at the same venue in May, Britain’s Cameron, 32, got out of the blocks quickly to bank an early leads that eventually turned out to be insurmountable for Taylor who made adjustments on the mid rounds and finished the fight the stronger of the two.
When the dust settled Cameron was declared the winner by scores of 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95.
After more than 200 hundred bouts amateur and pro, the question is how many more times can Taylor go to the well.
“I have a second chance here and I just can’t wait to fight at this stage,” the Irish superstar said.
“Whether I’m seen as the underdog or the favourite, whoever walks to the ring first or second, all that stuff is irrelevant.
“I’m just excited and hungry for the rematch and I can’t wait to step in there on Saturday and perform the way I know I can.”
Critics have come out of the woodwork in the wake of Taylor’s first professional loss six months ago, but she says she pays them no mind and prefers to focus on the things she can control.
“I don’t really take too much notice to what people are saying to be honest,” she said. “I’m very single minded and the only people I really listen to are my team and my family and the people I trust.
“I understand this is a huge fight and I understand it’s a must win fight for me. I know if I perform to the best of my ability on Saturday it’s going to be a completely different fight the last time. I’m just excited to showcase that.”
Cameron is out to prove the result of the first fight was no fluke, insisting she has not rested on her laurels following her breakout win.
“I’m not complacent whatsoever, that’s why I’ve put the work in,” Cameron said.
“I’ve trained harder than ever, I feel like it’s the best camp I’ve had because I knew I was going to be up against Katie seeking revenge. I couldn’t take that in my stride and think it’s going to be a walk in the park, because I know it definitely isn’t.”
She added: “I’ve had great preparation. The fittest I’ve ever been, the strongest I’ve ever been, ain’t got a torn tricep this time, so I’m good to go.”
Taylor says she is primed to reverse the result of their first meeting.
“I’m always ready for whatever comes my way,” she said. “I’m ready to dig deep when I have to. That’s why I put my body through the trenches week in, week out throughout training camp to be ready for these situations. I’m gonna be ready for whatever comes my way on Saturday.”