Classy Cameron becomes two-weight world champion

Britain’s Chantelle Cameron put on a dominant performance to beat Michaela Kotaskova by unanimous decision and claim the vacant WBO light-middleweight world title at the Olympia in London.

Fighting across three-minute rounds – rather than two minutes as is traditionally the case in women’s boxing – the 34-year-old worked at a high tempo and did her best work on the inside.

Two judges scored the contest 99-91 in Cameron’s favour with the other handing her a complete shutout at 100-90.

“It feels amazing. I’m going back to my family and I’ve got the world title,” she said.

“I’m going to have to get used to it [three-minute rounds], it’s the first time I’ve done it and you have to pace yourself. Sometimes I was rushing it and I need to get used to it.”

Cameron vacated her WBC light-welterweight title in October in protest at not being able to compete under the same rules as male fighters, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy having an extra minute to work in each round.

The Northampton fighter walked down her Czech opponent and landed spiteful shots to head and body.

Kotaskova, who was previously undefeated, wore the damage of Cameron’s relentless work by the end of the fifth round, with blood coming from her nose and markings under her eyes.

Cameron took her foot off the gas in the second half of the contest but did finish with a flourish – engaging in the 10th to stamp her authority with some stinging hooks and uppercuts.

WBA and WBC light-middleweight champion Mikaela Mayer, also signed by Most Valuable Promotions, watched on from ringside and Cameron confirmed she will face the American next.

“I’ve wanted this fight for ages and we should give the fans a great fight in women’s boxing,” added the former undisputed light-welterweight champion.

“We should bring it to Britain.”

Before the pair faced off in the ring, Mayer praised Cameron’s style and said she expected negotiations to be straightforward.

“I’ve always wanted the biggest fights and we always assumed we’d fight each other,” said Mayer, 35.

“We have the styles for a very exciting match-up. It’s going to be easy to make because we’re both with MVP.”

Dolan’s title bid ends in disappointment

Earlier, Emma Dolan’s first world title bid ended in devastating fashion as she was stopped in round three by IBF super-flyweight champion Irma Garcia.

The 27-year-old was aiming to continue her ascent through the levels after winning the British and Commonwealth super-flyweight titles, but came up against an experienced operator.

Southpaw Garcia, 17 years Dolan’s senior at 44, found her range quickly and twice put her opponent on the canvas in round two – initially with an overhand left before catching the Norfolk fighter with a clean one-two.

Dolan beat the count again early in the third round after another overhand left found the target, but her corner threw in the towel moments later as the Mexican applied further pressure.

It was Dolan’s first defeat in her nine-fight career and provided an insight into the work still required to reach the level of world champion.