There are plenty within boxing who wonder about Katie Taylor.
That’s because they’re used to fighters rarely taking unnecessary risks. No matter who Taylor fought for her big homecoming fight in Dublin’s 3Arena, tickets would sell out fast.
And many boxers would choose the easy payday. Not Taylor.
She’s opted for the unbeaten Chantelle Cameron, someone who plenty of good judges feel has the armory to inflict a first professional defeat on the Irishwoman.
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One who is convinced that Cameron will win is Cameron herself. “It’s why I get up in the morning,’’ she said.
“I think we both have the same mentality. We want to fight the best and be in the best fights.
“I’d say there were other fights that were better options for her at the time because I am a threat and I always have been a threat. To beat Katie Taylor – pound for pound the best – that is enough for me.
"Whatever happens after that happens but for me it is going to be my own legacy – doing something that no-one has done.”
Cameron fought Taylor once as an amateur in 2011 – and lost – but doesn’t feel that has any relevance to where both boxers are now.
“I was a bit starstruck when I faced her, especially as I was so new to boxing and I had Savannah Marshall and Nicola Adams basically telling me she is a God in boxing.
“It was a privilege so early in my amateur career. I was a pretty novice in the amateurs.
"I was about 10 fights in as an amateur and it was my second international.” Cameron is a born scrapper and she feels that can help her against Taylor.
When it comes to technical boxing, Taylor is unmatched but, when she’s drawn into a brawl – as happened against Delfine Persoon – she looks more vulnerable.
Cameron has been studying her closely for years and has picked the brains of those who’ve fought Taylor in the pro ranks too.
The expectation is that the 3Arena will be packed to the rafters with Taylor fans but Cameron is relishing going into the lioness’s den.
“I’d say 95 per cent are going to be there for Katie and I am going into a hostile situation but it’s only me and Katie in that ring fighting.
"I will do what I have trained to do.” And how certain are you of winning?
“100 per cent.”
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