Chantelle Cameron has publicly requested a rematch against Mikaela Mayer under the traditional three‑minute round format after securing a unanimous decision victory that crowned her the unified WBA, WBC and WBO super‑welterweight champion at the MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham. The British fighter edged the American on the judges' cards with scores of 97‑93, 97‑93 and 96‑94, a result that she believes solidifies her place among the sport’s most celebrated female boxers.
The buildup to the bout was as dramatic as the fight itself. At the official weigh‑in, tensions boiled over and the two athletes were forced apart by security after a heated exchange that turned physical. Cameron later said the confrontation gave her an extra edge on fight night, noting that the animosity seemed to fuel her performance inside the ring. "She wanted the weight, she wanted the two‑minute rounds, she wanted her name first – which is fine, we’re not going to argue about that," Cameron explained during the post‑fight press conference.
"If we want a rematch, it has to be three‑minute rounds. I’ll talk to my team; I’m willing to vacate the WBC belt again if that’s what it takes." Cameron, who is the only boxer to have defeated Katie Taylor in Taylor’s professional career, celebrated the win as her most significant to date but stopped short of claiming the title of greatest female boxer ever. "It’s definitely my best win and I enjoyed it immensely," she said.
"I still think Claressa Shields is the best. I won’t be deluded – Mikaela might think otherwise, but Claressa remains number one." The fight’s aftermath saw both fighters trade barbs on social media and in interviews.
Cameron, speaking to Sky Sports, said she had entered the ring with a clear intention to dominate: "I was looking at her before the bell rang and thought, ‘I’m going to smash your head in.’ I felt the energy she didn’t want to be in there, and I think it worked." She continued to taunt Mayer, urging her to improve her power, fitness and speed: "Go back to the gym, work on your power, work on your fitness, work on your speed, work on your boxing – because your team isn’t doing a great job, are they? You’re boring – go home!" Mayer, for her part, disputed the judges’ decision, insisting she had outboxed Cameron on her own turf. "I did beat you, Chantelle.
You’re lucky in your little backyard," she wrote. "You can have the rematch, three‑minute rounds. If you want to vacate your WBC belt you can do that – it’s your prerogative now.
I’ll just kick your ass even harder. But it won’t be here, it won’t be in the UK.
If you want to come to the US, you can." The MVPW co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian welcomed the prospect of a second encounter, noting that Cameron has expressed interest in fighting other top names such as Claressa Shields and Lauren Price. "If she’s not the GWOAT, she’s definitely in the top two or three ever," Bidarian told reporters. Cameron’s trainer, former champion Jamie Moore, hinted that the champion might be prepared to relinquish the WBC title if the governing body does not allow a three‑minute round defense against Mayer.
"Chantelle is much better over three minutes," Moore said. "There’s an issue with the WBC, and Chantelle will speak to her team about possibly vacating the belt. For women’s boxing to be on the same level as men’s, it has to be three‑minute rounds." The call for three‑minute rounds reflects a broader debate within the sport.
Historically, women’s bouts have been contested over two‑minute rounds, a rule many argue limits the development of the women’s game and keeps it from being treated on equal footing with men’s boxing, where three‑minute rounds are the standard. Cameron’s willingness to give up a world title to achieve parity underscores how seriously she takes the issue. If a rematch materializes, it could become one of the most talked‑about events of the 2026 boxing calendar.
Both fighters have strong fan bases, and the narrative of a champion defending her titles under a new round structure adds intrigue. Moreover, the rivalry has already produced a memorable storyline: a pre‑fight clash, a decisive victory, a post‑fight war of words, and now a potential showdown that could reshape the landscape of women’s boxing.
Regardless of whether the WBC grants an exception, Cameron’s stance signals a willingness to sacrifice prestige for principle. Should she vacate the belt, it would open the door for other contenders to vie for the now‑vacant title, potentially reshuffling the division’s hierarchy. Conversely, if the organization concedes to her request, it could set a precedent that forces other sanctioning bodies to reconsider round lengths for women’s bouts.
Mayer, meanwhile, appears eager to prove herself on a larger stage, possibly in the United States, where she believes the judging would be more favorable. Her confidence, expressed in statements like "I’ll just kick your ass even harder," suggests she is prepared to train intensively and adapt her style to the longer rounds, should the rematch be sanctioned. In summary, Cameron’s demand for three‑minute rounds, her willingness to vacate a world title, and Mayer’s challenge create a compelling narrative that extends beyond a simple win‑loss record. It touches on issues of gender equity, the evolution of the sport, and the personal ambition of two elite athletes.
Fans, promoters, and governing bodies will be watching closely to see whether this saga culminates in a historic rematch or whether the dispute will lead to new directions for women’s boxing in the years to come.