Chantelle Cameron’s Triumphant: Former world champion Chantelle Cameron marked her return with a solid points victory over Elhem Mekhaled at Birmingham’s Resort World Arena. Cameron, 33, displayed superior skills throughout an engaging bout, overwhelming the resilient Frenchwoman.
An Impressive Majority Decision
Cameron secured a majority decision with scorecards of 99-92, 98-92, and a disputed 95-95, reclaiming the interim WBC light-welterweight title. She declared her intent to pursue the belts once more, stating, “It’s been a rough chapter. I’m back now, and I’m coming for the belts again. This is just the beginning.”
Queensberry Debut and Future Ambitions
Making her debut under promoter Frank Warren, Cameron looked confident and focused. This victory follows her first professional loss to Katie Taylor in November, after defeating Taylor in their initial meeting in May 2023. A third match with Taylor could not be arranged, as Taylor is set to face Amanda Serrano in November. However, Cameron and her promoter hinted at targeting the winner of that bout, with Cameron asserting, “Everyone knows who I want.”
Cameron’s Superior Boxing Skills
In her first fight under trainer Grant Smith, Cameron excelled in the early rounds, landing powerful left hooks and pressuring Mekhaled. Despite Mekhaled’s spirited effort, including a strong fourth round, Cameron’s class shone through. As England’s first four-belt undisputed champion in 2022, Cameron’s superiority became evident as the fight progressed. She consistently outmaneuvered her opponent, working the body and evading attacks with ease.
A Thrilling Contest
The match was momentarily interrupted by a brawl in the stands during the ninth round. Nevertheless, both fighters continued their spirited exchanges until the final seconds of the tenth round. Cameron expressed her eagerness to maintain her momentum, saying, “It’s my first camp with Grant [Smith] – I just want to keep the momentum. I don’t want to be waiting around.”
Brad Pauls Dethrones Nathan Heaney
On the principal occasion, Cornwall’s Brad Pauls defeated Nathan Heaney inside the twelfth spherical of their rematch to win the British middleweight name. After their first combat ended in a draw, the sequel did no longer disappoint. Heaney, 35, supported by his dependable Stoke fans, suffered his first professional loss in his twentieth fight. Pauls delivered a decisive backhand right in the fourth round, sending Heaney to the canvas. Both fighters fatigued as the match wore on, but Pauls found a second wind in the championship rounds, ultimately securing victory in the 12th round.
Undercard Highlights
The undercard featured notable performances, with bantamweight Andrew Cain defeating Ashley Lane in the fifth round of their British title fight. Additionally, unbeaten heavyweight Solomon Dacres stopped Michael Webster in the seventh round, securing his ninth professional victory.
In summary, Chantelle Cameron’s comeback win against Elhem Mekhaled, Brad Pauls’ dramatic victory over Nathan Heaney, and the exciting undercard fights made for an unforgettable night of boxing at Birmingham’s Resort World Arena.
