Cameron splits with Matchroom, signs with Queensberry

Chantelle Cameron split a pair of bouts with Katie Taylor in 2023

After missing out on a rubber match with rival Katie Taylor, former undisputed super lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron has parted ways with Matchroom Boxing and joined forces with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

“You can expect fireworks,” Northampton’s Cameron said at today’s media conference to announce her new promotional stable. “I’m coming with vengeance and to get out all the frustrations I’ve endured with all the ups and downs.

“I’m over the moon, I can’t wait to get started with Queensberry. I’ve always liked Frank Warren, I think he keeps it real. I’m going to make a statement at 140 pounds, I’m coming to get my belts back.”

“I’m grateful to everyone who came to support me in Dublin,” she said. “It will be nice for my fans to not have to travel so far, to be able to get on a train or just jump in the car.”

Cameron (18-1, 8 KO) dominated Adriana Araujo and Mary Mcgee to claim WBC and IBF gold, then picked up the other two vacant belts by outclassing Jessica McCaskill. This set up a showdown with longtime target Katie Taylor, whom Cameron beat via competitive-but-clear decision before falling short in a high-octane rematch.

Cameron alleged afterwards that Taylor refused to commit to a third fight, and with Taylor now set for a rematch with Amanda Serrano, Cameron has elected to move on. Whether this will actually open up more opportunities for her is an open question; Taylor still has all the belts, though at 37 years old, her reign may not be that lengthy even with another win over Serrano.

Queensberry also announced the signing of Aadam Hamed (1-0, 1 KO), son of featherweight legend Naseem.

“I always wanted a UK promoter and I always knew in my heart that I wanted it to be Frank,” Hamed said. “I felt like he’s always going to look after me the most – I look at him like family, big up Uncle Frank.

“The hunger to be a fighter was always there – I came out of my dad. But I want make my own way, be my own man. I graft every day and take this serious and sooner or later you’re going to find out.”

As a side note, does “graft” have some slang meaning unrelated to “sticking things onto other things” that I’m unaware of? I hear that word and I think of this guy.