Taylor vs Cameron LIVE!
Katie Taylor faces Chantelle Cameron in her long-awaited Ireland homecoming tonight. It seems utterly remarkable that the boxing pride of the Emerald Isle has never previously competed as a professional in her native country, but that finally changes in front of a raucous sold-out crowd at the 3Arena in Dublin tonight. While not quite Croke Park, there will still be a tremendous atmosphere in what Taylor believes will be the hardest bout of her illustrious career to date.
Rather than accept a low-level opponent or mandatory defence after the postponement of her much-hyped rematch with Amanda Serrano, the usually unassuming ‘Bray Bomber’ instead went on the offensive and pushed for a mammoth showdown with a fellow superstar in Nottingham’s Cameron. Victory for Taylor tonight would see her go down in history as a two-weight undisputed world champion.
On the undercard, Terri Harper’s super-welterweight title defence against Cecilia Braekhus was called off this morning, but there was another world title showdown as JJ Metcalf took Dennis Hogan’s IBO belt. There were wins for home favourites Thomas Carty, Caoimhin Agyarko and Paddy Donovan earlier in the night, but Gary Cully was stunned as he fell to a third-round stoppage defeat against Jose Felix Jr. Follow Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron live below!
Taylor vs Cameron latest news
22:50 , Matt Verri
Cameron first to make her way to the ring. Not exactly a warm reception.
Undisputed champion, holding all the belts as Taylor comes up in weight to challenge her… still walking first. Tough gig fighting in Dublin!
Dare say she’s not too bothered.
22:47 , Matt Verri
Talking of anthems, Sweet Caroline now pumping around the arena.
Feels like this is going to turn into an absolute war of a fight, whatever either fighter has planned. Very difficult to keep a cool head in this atmosphere!
22:44 , Matt Verri
Irish anthem first up. McGregor getting very excited ringside, as ever.
Crowd have very much put that defeat to Cully to one side. They’re in fine voice again, as loud as it’s been all night.
Main event time!
22:40 , Matt Verri
Well, after that drama it’s time to turn to the big clash of the night. Undisputed vs undisputed.
Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron will be on their way to the ring very, very shortly.
Painful defeat for Cully
22:35 , Matt Verri
22:33 , Matt Verri
Katie Taylor’s dad was in Cully’s corner, took a fair while to throw that towel in. Cully was completely gone about 20 seconds before it was eventually called off.
DJ pumping the music out around the arena, trying to lift the spirits. Tough gig.
22:29 , Matt Verri
That really has killed the mood in Dublin.
Jose Felix cannot stop screaming out in delight. The Mexican has well and truly ruined the party.
Over to Taylor to try and lift the spirits for the home fans…
22:27 , Matt Verri
Unbelievable.
Cully dropped initially by the right hand, and then down again as he tried to hold on.
Looked to just about be getting his legs underneath him again, but then a left hook caught him flush. Was allowed to carry on for another 15, 20 seconds… but he didn’t know where he was.
Massive shock.
22:25 , Matt Verri
Round 3
CULLY DOWN! WOW.
Right hand from Felix drops Cully, the Irish fighter is in huge trouble. Has to just hold on, but Felix isn’t letting him.
AND DOWN AGAIN. Cully can’t tie him up, Felix is piling the pressure on. Legs are not there at all for Cully, crowd are trying to rally him.
Massive left hook, stunning shot from Felix and Cully completely stiffens up. He’s gone, surely the referee has to call this off. Cully isn’t there at all. Getting hit with everything.
AND THE TOWEL COMES IN. CULLY HAS BEEN STUNNED!
Cully vs Felix
22:21 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Better from Felix, tags Cully with the left hook as the Irishman comes forward. Some nice body shots coming in too, but Cully responds with a right hook.
Felix is waiting for his moments, looking to catch Cully on the inside when he leaves himself open after throwing.
Good finish to the round from Cully, but it was a pretty even three minutes.
Cully vs Felix
22:17 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Cully has a big reach advantage in there, he’s much the taller of the two fighters. Really is a party atmosphere in Dublin now, right behind Cully.
Cagey start from both, Cully landing a right hand for the best shot of the round but very little in the way of action. Felix has thrown his right hand once and missed by about six yards.
22:12 , Matt Verri
Crowd are really into things now. Atmosphere is incredible.
Superb ring walk from Cully, poor Felix had to stand there and watch it for about five minutes.
Time to get up and running, ten rounds of lightweight action scheduled as the chief support tonight!
22:05 , Matt Verri
“I’m going to land my shots, and then what happens?”
Chantelle Cameron not particularly bothered when asked about how she’ll respond to the entire crowd behind behind Katie Taylor.
Her and Jamie Moore very much had enough of that interview by the end of it. To be expected.
Next up…
21:59 , Matt Verri
Metcalf gets the decision!
21:56 , Matt Verri
Here we go. Time for the cards.
117-110. 117-110. 115-112. Unanimous decision… AND THE NEW!
Metcalf will be taking the title back to Liverpool! Very wide on two of those cards, Hogan unable to get the job done in front of his home fans.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:52 , Matt Verri
Round 12
Rapid start to the final round from Metcalf, as his corner send him out telling him to force the issue and bring the title back to Liverpool. Taken some shots as he does so though.
Hogan’s mouthguard out again, as Metcalf gets to work on the inside. And it’s a point off! The referee has had enough of those tactics. That could be massive.
Hogan really needs to push for it now, but he looks exhausted.
There’s the final bell! Metcalf definitely takes that round, and with the point deduction it could well be his fight.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:48 , Matt Verri
Round 11
Hogan is coming on strong all of a sudden, Metcalf getting caught. Both looking very tired now.
Not for the first time tonight, Hogan’s mouthguard comes out and he’ll stroll over to his corner to have it put back in. Sure that was a complete accident…
Metcalf tries to force the issue late in the round, but Hogan not letting it happen. Maybe just about Hogan ahead on the cards, heading into the final three minutes.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:43 , Matt Verri
Round 10
Metcalf is on top for much of these rounds, but Hogan will then find a few shots to level it up. Making it so awkward for Metcalf.
The Liverpool fighter is the one trying to break free of the clinch and get into a cleaner fight, but Hogan isn’t letting it happen very often at all.
Two rounds to go. Anyone’s fight.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:40 , Matt Verri
Round 9
Hogan needs to find a second wind from somewhere. His world title is in a fair bit of danger as it stands.
Both fighters end up on the canvas, legs got caught there. More blood from Hogan’s face, just to the side of his right eye.
Another scrappy round, another one that will be very tough to score. This is still very much there for either man.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:35 , Matt Verri
Round 8
Hogan with a good right to the body, before Metcalf lands a punch that is very close to the back of the head. Just a quick warning.
Hogan’s corner have sorted that cut, wasn’t a serious one and certainly not something that will be bothering him in there.
Another warning for clinching, and that’s the end of the eighth. Metcalf probably just about ahead on the cards, he’s forcing the pace and Hogan is feeling it.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:31 , Matt Verri
Round 7
Hogan looks a bit wobbled there, as Metcalf puts the shots together. The Irish fighter isn’t able to skip his way out of trouble in this round, Metcalf having much more success.
Bllod coming from Hogan’s right eye, think it was caused by a clash of heads. That will give Metcalf even more encouragement.
Momentum firmly with Metcalf.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:27 , Matt Verri
Round 6
It’s turning into a scrappy bout and that’s suiting Hogan just fine. Metcalf has definitely slowed down, maybe getting a bit frustrated at the lack of rhythm.
Referee is getting a bit fed up with the clinching, and there’s a brief pause as Hogan’s mouthguard falls out.
Fight bursts into life again in the final seconds, Metcalf lets his hands go and Hogan is definitely there to be hit… bell comes at a good time for him.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:23 , Matt Verri
Round 5
Better round from Hogan so far, who looks much more comfortable at close range.
Hogan down… it’s a slip though. Tony Bellew heartbroken at ringside. Fair to say he’s very much pulling for Metcalf.
That was probably Hogan’s best round, stayed out of trouble for pretty much the entire three minutes.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:18 , Matt Verri
Round 4
Metcalf lands another nice right hand, but Hogan is recovering quickly. He’s being given a really tough night though, this has been impressive from Metcalf so far.
It’s the man from Liverpool matching forwards and looking to force the pace. Definitely the cleaner work so far, but Hogan is having some success on the inside.
Still very even.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:15 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Great left hook from Metcalf, he’s coming flying out of the corner. And a lovely right hand to follow it!
But Hogan responds really well, gets himself in the centre of the ring and lands a right of his own, this is the best round of the fight by a mile.
Both a bit more cautious in the final minute, but that was a great three minutes. Metclaf probably just about edging it.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:10 , Matt Verri
Round 2
It’s all very cagey, this is going to be a nightmare to score.
Hogan looks quick when he goes try to close the distance, but Metcalf has now allowed himself to be caught yet. Best of luck to the judges.
Hogan vs Metcalf
21:06 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Metcalf taking centre ring for much of the opening round, both making a relatively cagey start though.
Bit wild from Metcalf there though, lunging in and trying to land a big right. Didn’t close the distance enough with his feet.
Very tight first three minutes.
21:03 , Matt Verri
Huge roars for Hogan, looking to continue what has been a strong night for the Irish fighters so far.
We’re up and running, 12 rounds scheduled.
20:59 , Matt Verri
A very Irish ringwalk from JJ Metcalf! Dublin crowd absolutely loving in, he’s managed to win them over for now.
Dennis Hogan, defending his IBO super-welterweight title, on his way to the ring. He is the home favourite, despite Metcalf’s efforts.
Some thoughts from Katie Taylor backstage
20:52 , Matt Verri
“I don’t feel any extra pressure. I’ve been here and done this before, I’ve been in these big nights before.
“It’s fantastic to be making my homecoming fight. I feel quite relaxed… I’m just excited for it. I can’t wait to step in there and perform.
“I can feel the excitement and the buzz in the nation over this event. I have the chance to become undisputed two-weight world champion tonight, it’s the biggest night of my career.”
Still to come…
20:46 , Matt Verri
We’ve got Gary Cully vs Jose Felix to look forward to a bit later, but before that Dennis Hogan takes on JJ Metcalf.
Then the small matter of the main event. Undisputed vs undisputed. Shaped up to be an incredible night ahead.
Nice and relaxed!
20:42 , Matt Verri
Unanimous decision for Agyarko!
20:38 , Matt Verri
100-90. 100-90. 100-90. And still!
Agyarko wins every round on all three cards, though it wasn’t quite as one-sided as that would suggest.
He moves to 13-0, another ten rounds in the bank.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:36 , Matt Verri
Round 10
Here we go then. Three minutes to go and Dennis has to find something special.
He lands a nice right hand, Agyarko looking a bit tired now too, he’s definitely slowed down. Just needs to hear the final bell and victory will be his.
All getting a bit messy, neither able to get much away in terms of clean shots heading into the final 20 seconds.
And there is the bell. Good fight, one that Agyarko has certainly won.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:32 , Matt Verri
Round 9
Not much being thrown in this penultimate round. Dennis obviously needs a knockout if he’s to win this, but he’s not risking anything at the moment.
Both throw left hooks at the same time, cleaner shot comes from Agyarko. He’s three minutes away from a very wide victory on the cards.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has just strolled into the arena. Big cheers.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:27 , Matt Verri
Round 8
Dennis is being hit with so many right hands, but keeps moving to the left and leaving himself vulnerable.
Pace has eased off a bit after that frantic seventh round, but Agyarko is still very much in charge of things. On his way to a wide points win. Two rounds to go.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:24 , Matt Verri
Round 7
Agyarko starting to really let his hands go, he’s trying to go through the gears. Gets caught himself though! Legs stiffen, Dennis with a big smile on his face after landing the left hook.
That’s slowed Agyarko down, needs a bit of time to gather himself again after that.
Looks to have his legs back underneath him, massive right hand and Dennis is just trying to hold on! He’s leaning right back on the ropes, Agyarko throwing everything at Dennis, who is tucking up.
He survives though – will Agyarko be tired now after that big flurry of punches?
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:19 , Matt Verri
Round 6
Agyarko definitely going to the body more this round, maybe an instruction from the corner. Left hook to the head gets through, backed up with a jab.
It’s all Agyarko now, left hook having a lot of success and Dennis isn’t really throwing much back. He’s backing away.
Another round for Agyarko, he’s won at least five of them.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:15 , Matt Verri
Round 5
Fight still hasn’t really burst into life, Agyarko happy to land his shots and then ease off.
He very nearly got caught there though, came forward and left himself open, uppercut from Dennis not far away from landing.
Agyarko switches to southpaw for the final 30 seconds of the round, nod of respect between the pair at the end of it.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:11 , Matt Verri
Round 4
Good combination from Agyarko, head and body and it’s his best work of the fight so far. Quick hands are causing problems when he lets them go.
Dennis is starting to be pushed back a bit now, he’s taken a fair few shots this round. Left hook lands on the bell too from Agyarko, great round for him.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:07 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Agyarko looking really good in there now, but Dennis responds with a nice uppercut.
Dennis charges forward and looks to land a big left hand, Agyarko saw it coming though. He’s probably three rounds up, but they’re pretty evenly-matched.
Agyarko vs Dennis
20:03 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Agyarko has had injury problems with his left hand, but he’s throwing it well enough in the opening couple of rounds. Not a huge amount of action so far to get the crowd excited.
Dennis has held his own in the first six minutes, but Agyarko looks the sharper with his jab. Needs to force the pace a bit more though if he’s to really establish control.
Does so in the final 15 minutes, lands a couple of big right hands on Dennis.
Next up: Caoimhin Agyarko vs Grant Dennis
19:52 , Jonathan Gorrie
A big test for Agyarko on his return from a hand injury. Dennis is something of a veteran, albiet hardly the biggest test.
You feel Agyarko needs a big performance here.
Oh here we go
19:45 , Jonathan Gorrie
Some confrontation in the crowd…
Big win for Carty
19:44 , Jonathan Gorrie
Really good stuff from the Irish heavyweight, getting a pretty sturdy opponent out of there quickly.
A good start for the Irish contingent…
What a finish!
19:35 , Jonathan Gorrie
Seriously impressive stuff!
Thomas Carty vs Jay McFarland
19:34 , Jonathan Gorrie
Round 2: IT’S OVER!
The hometown hero holds off the challenge of McFarlane and drops the Scotsman with a huge left.
Carty wins the Celtic Heavyweight Championship.
Thomas Carty vs Jay McFarland
19:27 , Jonathan Gorrie
Round 1: Brilliant round for Carty, McFarlane misses with a late wild right hand.
Thomas Carty vs Jay McFarland
19:26 , Jonathan Gorrie
Round 1: A HUGE 1-2 from Carty in the opening moments sees McFarland hit the canvas!
Main card underway!
19:19 , Jonathan Gorrie
First up we have Thomas Carty vs Jay McFarland in eight rounds of heavyweight action.
Who to look out for on the undercard
19:14 , Jonathan Gorrie
Caoimhin Agyarko.
Over a hand injury now, the middleweight could delight the Dublin crowd tonight.
Here we go!
19:02 , Jonathan Gorrie
A historic night of boxing is about to get underway in Dublin!
Great finish from Paddy Donavan
18:54 , Jonathan Gorrie
Lighting up the undercard!
Why was Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano called off?
18:36 , Jonathan Gorrie
Katie Taylor’s rematch with Amanda Serrano in May has been called following an injury to the Puerto Rican.
The bout had been scheduled to take place in Dublin on May 20 after Serrano’s win against Erika Cruz to become the undisputed featherweight champion.
Taylor beat Serrano via a split decision in the first women’s contest to top the bill at Madison Square Garden last April.
Dublin’s 3Arena had been expected as the venue to host the rematch after negotiations between the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and promoters Matchroom Boxing to stage it at Croke Park fell through over “security costs”.
A statement from Matchroom read: “Due to an injury sustained by Amanda Serrano, Matchroom Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions regret to announce that the Taylor-Serrano II bout on May 20 in Dublin will not go ahead as planned.
“The teams are in discussions about finding a revised date for the bout. Further details will follow in due course.”
What a night of boxing!
18:26 , Jonathan Gorrie
Taylor vs Cameron straight into Haney vs Lomachenko.
A huge night!
Katie Taylor: Dublin ‘god’ not feeling the nerves ahead of homecoming
18:21 , Jonathan Gorrie
At 36 years old and with 22 professional fights to her name, Katie Taylor finally has her homecoming fight in Dublin on Saturday night.
Ireland has been without a big fight night since a shooting at a boxing weigh-in in 2016 at Dublin’s Regency Hotel which led to the death of gang member David Byrne.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has allayed safety fears and played down earlier suggestions that Matchroom had provided additional security to the event as Taylor steps up in weight to light-welterweight against undisputed champion Chantelle Cameron.
The 3A Arena in Dublin has long been sold out and Ireland’s capital is currently in rapture to Taylor, who has been a countrywide star long before turning professional six years ago.
Read Eddie Hearn’s full interview with Standard Sport here!
Latest odds
18:07 , Jonathan Gorrie
Taylor to win: 1/2
Cameron to win: 13/8
Draw: 14/1
Taylor to win by KO/TKO: 14/1
Cameron to win by KO/TKO: 10/1
Taylor to win by points or decision: 8/13
Cameron to win by points or decision: 12/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Taylor vs Cameron prediction
18:02 , Jonathan Gorrie
Taylor deserves huge credit for calling Cameron out and pushing for this fight after Serrano’s injury, when many in her position would have settled for an easier opponent and a more routine night back on home soil.
Wins over McCaskill and Mary McGee have shown just how good Cameron is, and with eight knockout wins to her name she will be confident of causing Taylor problems with her power, particularly with the size advantage as the Irish fighter moves up to 140lbs.
At times in the Serrano fight, Taylor was wobbled when the pair stood in the centre of the ring and traded, and while a repeat of those exchanges would mean another memorable fight is in store, it would leave the home favourite uncertain.
There will inevitably be plenty of moments when the pair do both let their hands go, particularly amid a raucous atmosphere, but Taylor’s speed and movement could be just enough to see her edge it, with Cameron likely needing to do something very special to get the decision in Dublin.
Taylor to win, via split decision.
Undercard/fight card in full
18:02 , Jonathan Gorrie
Terri Harper was due to defend her WBA and IBO super-welterweight titles tonight, but will now fight on the Mauricio Lara-Leigh Wood 2 undercard in Manchester next week instead after Norwegian challenger Cecilia Braekhus woke up unwell on Saturday. Thomas Carty’s bout with Jay McFarlane for the vacant Celtic heavyweight belt has been moved to the main card as a result.
Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron
Gary Cully vs Jose Felix
Dennis Hogan vs JJ Metcalf
Thomas Carty vs Jay McFarlane
Caoimhin Agyarko vs Grant Dennis
Maiseyrose Courtney vs Kate Radomska
Paddy Donovan vs Sam O’Maison
Start time: Undercard from 7pm, main event at 10:30pm
18:01 , Jonathan Gorrie
The main undercard is scheduled to get underway at 7pm BST, with ring walks for the main event itself expected at around 10:30pm. As ever though, those timings are subject to change.
How to watch Taylor vs Cameron
17:59 , Jonathan Gorrie
TV channel: Taylor vs Cameron is being shown live on Saturday night via DAZN, which is available on smart TVs and via Sky channel 429 in the UK. It is not on pay-per-view but instead part of the usual DAZN subscription.
Live stream: The DAZN app and website will offer a live stream service online across mobile devices, laptops, games consoles and more. A subscription to DAZN currently starts from £9.99 per month in the UK.
Welcome
17:41 , Jonathan Gorrie
Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Katie Taylor’s HUGE fight at Dublin’s 3Arena tonight as one of the biggest names in boxing returns to her home.
It is the first time Taylor has boxed in the Irish capital as a pro and tonight’s fight is unique. Chantelle Cameron is about a tough and ask as they could come.
