Cameron elevated to world champion as Taylor takes break
WBC upgrades Chantelle Cameron to full light-welterweight champion as Taylor pauses boxing; Sandy Ryan set as mandatory challenger
Chantelle Cameron has been elevated to full WBC light-welterweight world champion after Katie Taylor announced she will take time away from boxing. Cameron advances from interim status following the sanctioning body's decision this week. The 34-year-old from Northampton has won 21 of 22 professional fights since turning pro in 2017. She handed Taylor her first career defeat in May 2023 to become undisputed champion, then lost the rematch six months later. A trilogy had been mandated, but Taylor opted not to pursue it while she takes a break from the sport.
Under the upgrade, Cameron is set to make a mandatory defense against fellow Briton Sandy Ryan. The WBC's move also formalizes Taylor's emeritus champion status, which keeps her in line for a future title shot should she decide to return. The decision was confirmed to BBC Sport this week.
Cameron's promotion was backed by her team at Most Valuable Promotions, with the outfit led by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian signing her in May. Cameron posted on Instagram that she was looking forward to making more moves in her career with a great team and that the future was bright.
Taylor's emeritus status means she would be first in line for a title shot if she returns, but for now Cameron holds the WBC belt and a defined path to defend it against Ryan. The development shapes the competitive landscape in the 140-pound division as the sport awaits further steps.