Cameron Outpoints Mekhaled in Impressive Comeback
Former world champion Chantelle Cameron showcased her prowess with a solid points win over Elhem Mekhaled at Birmingham’s Resort World Arena. The 33-year-old boxer from Northampton dominated most of the entertaining contest against the resilient Frenchwoman. Cameron’s triumphant return marked her first outing since losing the undisputed light-welterweight crown to Katie Taylor in November.
Mekhaled, displaying her characteristic tenacity, stood her ground, but Cameron emerged as the clear winner. The judges awarded Cameron a majority decision with scorecards of 99-92, 98-92, and a controversial 95-95, securing the interim WBC light-welterweight title.
“It’s been a rough chapter. I’m back now, and I’m coming for the belts again. This is just the beginning,” Cameron asserted, her determination evident.
A New Chapter with Queensberry Promotions
Cameron’s debut under the Queensberry Promotions banner, following her signing with promoter Frank Warren, was highly anticipated. Her previous bout against Katie Taylor in Dublin ended in her first professional loss, a stark contrast to her victory over the Irishwoman in their initial encounter in May 2023.
Negotiations for a trilogy bout fell through, and Taylor is now set to face Amanda Serrano in Texas in November. However, Warren hinted that Cameron might target the winner, with Cameron adding, “Everyone knows who I want.”
Cameron’s Dominance Against Mekhaled
During the build-up, Cameron expressed relief over the absence of the burden of maintaining an undefeated record. This newfound freedom was evident as she enjoyed the opening rounds. Under the guidance of new trainer Grant Smith, Cameron’s performance was clinical. She landed powerful left hooks and consistently pressured the retreating Mekhaled.
Mekhaled, 33, known for her resilience with only two previous losses at the highest level, fought back valiantly. She managed to land heavy hits in the fourth round, catching the attention of the enthusiastic crowd. However, Cameron’s superior skill became increasingly apparent as the fight progressed. She outmaneuvered Mekhaled, targeting the body and deftly avoiding attacks.
The ninth round saw a brief distraction due to a brawl in the stands, but the fighters continued to deliver an action-packed finale, exchanging blows until the final bell. Cameron expressed her eagerness to return to the ring soon, stating, “It’s my first camp with Grant [Smith] – I just want to keep the momentum. I don’t want to be waiting around.”
Pauls Dethrones Heaney in Thrilling Main Event
Cornwall’s Brad Pauls captured the British middleweight title with a dramatic 12th-round victory over Nathan Heaney in their rematch. The initial bout, a fight of the year contender, ended in a draw, setting high expectations for the sequel.
The electric atmosphere was palpable as Heaney, 35, received fervent support from his loyal Stoke fans. Despite controlling the early rounds, Heaney was floored by a clean right hand from Pauls in the fourth round.
Both fighters showed signs of fatigue as the bout progressed, but Pauls, known as ‘The Newquay Bomb,’ found a second wind in the championship rounds. He dropped Heaney again in the 12th round with a flurry of punches, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
Exciting Undercard Action
The undercard also delivered exciting matchups. Bantamweight Andrew Cain triumphed over Ashley Lane in the fifth round of their British title fight, while unbeaten heavyweight Solomon Dacres stopped Michael Webster in the seventh round to secure his ninth professional victory.
Chantelle Cameron’s comeback victory and Brad Pauls’ dramatic win headlined a thrilling night of boxing at the Resorts World Arena. With Cameron eyeing future titles and Pauls establishing himself as a dominant force, boxing fans have much to look forward to in the coming months
