Cameron and Mayer headline historic UK vs USA boxing event
Northampton’s boxing star headlines main event in three-title unification match
Northampton boxing champion Chantelle Cameron says she is feeling "fantastic" ahead of one of the biggest fights of her career as she prepares to take on American rival Mikaela Mayer in a world title unification clash.
The former undisputed world champion will face Mayer tonight at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham as part of the historic MVPW 06: UK vs USA event, where every bout on the main card pits British fighters against American opponents.
Cameron, Britain's first undisputed female boxing champion of the four-belt era and the only professional boxer to have defeated Katie Taylor, said she is relishing the occasion.
"I'm really excited. I can't wait," she said. "It's going to be a cracking night.
"It's so good for women's boxing because it's bringing eyes onto the sport and for people to tune in and see that we're women, yeah, but we can really fight."
The Northampton-born fighter believes the match-up is perfectly suited to showcasing the sport at its best.
"This fight, it's kind of a match made in heaven because our styles are going to gel so well and it's going to be a really good advocate for women's boxing," she said.
While admitting there are nerves ahead of the contest, Cameron said her preparation has left her confident.
"There's a bit of pressure because obviously you want the UK to win," she said. "But I'm feeling fantastic. I'm fit, I'm ready to go."
Away from the ring, Cameron also spoke about the positive impact boxing has had on her mental wellbeing, describing it as "the best therapy".
"If you're having a rubbish day at work, going to the gym and just smashing the life out of a boxing bag, you just release all the bad energy you've had throughout the day," she said.
"You come out of the gym and you forget about the stuff that you was worried about an hour before because you just feel so released and refreshed."
Representing both Northampton and the UK on such a big stage remains a source of pride for Cameron, who grew up on a council estate in the town before rising to become one of Britain's most decorated boxers.
"I'm representing Northampton, but I'm also representing the UK," she said. "I'm really proud of that."
However, she hopes to see even more backing from supporters in her hometown.
"It would be nice if Northampton supported a bit more," she added. "I would always love to have a homecoming in Northampton, but you've got to get behind me now."