Chantelle Cameron Back With A Win Over The Tough Elhem Mekhaled
It was, in many ways, the perfect return for Chantelle Cameron on Saturday night in Birmingham. The first fight with a new promoter and a new trainer signalled a brand new start, and despite a scorecard that defied belief, Cameron can be happy with her night's work.
Cameron beat the incredibly tough Elhem Mekhaled on a majority decision by scores of 98-92, 99-92, and a way off 95-95. It's extremely difficult to justify that one, even card. Cameron won beyond doubt and giving the former undisputed world super-lightweight champion every single round wouldn't have flattered her. I gave the French fighter one round. I fail to see how you could possibly give her five rounds.
The Northampton started fast. You sensed Mekhaled would do well to last the distance. But she not only survived, Mekhaled had her moments, even if you couldn't give her too many rounds. If any.
Cameron was perhaps a lot too eager to make a statement in the opening four rounds. Holding her feet a little too long at times, and taking a few unnecessary punches. But with some excellent words from Grant Smith in the corner, Cameron used her feet and boxed quite beautifully from the 5th round onwards. She created space and looked a different class to her brave opponent. Mekhaled deserves immense credit for never giving up. She never once stopped trying to save her night. One judge was seemingly blinded by her toughness.
The winner claimed the WBC interim super-lightweight title and wants a third fight with Katie Taylor. With one win apiece, their rivalry is very much unfinished business. But with Taylor seemingly tied up for the foreseeable future with Amanda Serrano, Cameron might have to look elsewhere, at least for now.
Cameron wants to return before the year ends. Don't rule out a fight with Mikaela Mayer. A fight that ticks many boxes.
The first fight with Frank Warren can be deemed a success. Queensberry Promotions could have given Cameron an easy night. But the fight with Mekhaled will serve her well going forward. Ten good hard rounds that sets her up quite nicely for what lies ahead.
After all the bitterness and frustration of recent times, Cameron now leave the past firmly behind her and look forward with much glee about her fighting future. Cameron has had many good nights. Including one very special moment. On the evidence of her performance against Mekhaled, she has many more moments ahead of her.
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