Christmas Eve Cracker: Chantelle Cameron & Mikaela Mayer Rematch In Dubai
Chantelle Cameron and Mikaela Mayer will run it back a second time next month in a festive showdown that could be even better than what they served up the first time around.
Cameron (23-1) will defend her unified world super-welterweight titles against Mayer (22-3) on Christmas Eve in Dubai on the undercard of the return of Jake Paul, who takes on Cédric Doumbé in the main event.
Despite a contractual rematch, it did seem that Cameron and Mayer would be going in different directions, at least in the short term. There was talk of Cameron fighting Claressa Shields. But that potential match-up couldn’t get over the line. If Cameron defeats Mayer again, it will surely be revisited.
Mayer was looking at defending her WBO world welterweight title, with former foe Natasha Jonas mentioned as a potential opponent for the American. An undisputed 147-pound showdown with Lauren Price was also discussed, but the respective teams couldn’t agree on the numbers. With other potential fights dropping away for different reasons, the stars have aligned for Cameron and Mayer to finish what they started three months ago.
The two pound-for-pound fighters clashed in August in Birmingham with Cameron upsetting the odds to unanimously outpoint Mayer. Cameron prevailed by scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 96-94.
There was mutual respect for much of the build-up to the first fight. But seemingly out of nowhere, a war of words exploded at the weigh-in. The hostility continued in the post-fight interviews, with Mayer believing she had won the fight. Chantelle disagreed. Words were exchanged, and all the previous respect they had once shared evaporated in the Midlands air.
Cameron and Mayer will get to settle their differences next month with the unified world 154-pound titles on the line. I have been told that this time they will fight over three-minute rounds. Another little dynamic that could swing the fight in a completely different direction. the official press release doesn’t specify either way, although Boxrec have listed the fight as being over the two-minute duration. Discussions are apparently ongoing with the WBC, who only recognise two-minute rounds. Cameron currently holds the WBO, WBA, and WBC titles.
The first meeting was good; you sense the rematch could be even better.
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Most Valuable Promotions
