Katie Taylor insists step up tin weight to face Chantelle Cameron has been ‘psychologically better’

Katie Taylor says going up in weight to face Chantelle Cameron has been ‘psychologically better’ for her as she can ‘eat what she wants’ and ‘focus on the fight’ instead of worrying about arriving.

Taylor will aim to become an undisputed world champion in a second weight category on her return home to Ireland, as she challenges Chantelle Cameron in Dublin on May 20.

Taylor (22-0, 6KOs) was initially set to defend her WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight titles on the same date in a rematch against Amanda Serrano, but the Puerto Rican was ruled out due to injury.

Therefore, the Bray Bomber will move up to light welterweight and challenge Cameron (17-0, 8KOs) for the Northampton fighter’s four world titles at the 3Arena this coming weekend.

Taylor says she’s “very comfortable” at light welterweight and insists she’s “confident” in her “strength,” despite the fact that Cameron is “slightly taller” than she is.

Taylor will aim to become an undisputed world champion in a second weight category on her return home to Ireland, as she challenges Chantelle Cameron in Dublin on May 20.

Speaking of her change in opponent, Taylor said, “Things have been pretty much the same for me. It may have been psychologically better for me to gain weight because I don’t have to worry about actually gaining weight.

“I can eat whatever I want and focus on the real fight. So I feel very, very comfortable with this weight. I also feel strong at this weight. I don’t think there is much difference between the lightweight division and the light welterweight division.’

Taylor went on to add, “She [Chantelle Cameron] is probably a little taller than me, but not too much, so I feel very, very comfortable with this weight.”

Taylor’s fight with Cameron has been referred to as the Bray Bomber’s “homecoming.” The 36-year-old boxer has yet to have a professional fight in Dublin, despite being one of the most successful Irish athletes in history.

Taylor had talked about fighting in Dublin for years, but struggled to secure a fight in the Irish capital…until now. Eddie Hearn successfully hosted a Matchroom event at the 3Arena on May 20 and fans were thrilled.

Taylor is confident she can handle the pressures of fighting on home soil. She said she has the “experience” needed to fight “on these big occasions” and that “there’s pressure in every fight” she does.

Taylor said, “I think there’s pressure in every fight, but of course there’s a little more pressure in home boxing in front of your home crowd, but I have the experience of fighting on these big occasions.

“I have the experience of fighting when there’s a lot of pressure on my shoulders, so I don’t really see it as anything too excessive compared to what I’ve been through before.

Taylor was initially set to defend her WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight titles on the same date in a rematch against Amanda Serrano, but the Puerto Rican was ruled out due to injury.

Taylor defeated Serrano last year by split decision to remain the undisputed lightweight champion of the world and retain her WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring lightweight titles in New York

“Every time I step into the ring, there’s a lot of pressure on me, so I just keep going. I’m looking forward to the fight and I’m excited about the fight, so I’m not really feeling the burden or the pressure right now.

“I’m just excited to get in there and fight at home. This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m just thrilled to have the chance to fight in front of the home crowd at home.

“A few years ago I didn’t think this would ever happen, so I’m so excited and so happy about it.”

When asked if she should spend more time than usual on extra media events and guest appearances given it’s her home country, Taylor said: ‘Battle week is always a busy week.

‘I don’t think about it too much. I just take everything at my leisure and take it day by day so I don’t get too overwhelmed by what’s going on outside.

“I have a focus and that focus is actually on the fight itself on May 20. That’s all I’m really worried about. Other than that I will take it day by day and take everything in my path.’

Taylor was initially set to defend her WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight titles in a rematch against Serrano following their iconic fight at Madison Square Garden last year.

However, Taylor’s homecoming was about to collapse when Serrano revealed she had suffered an injury.

Taylor’s homecoming was about to collapse when Serrano revealed she had suffered an injury. Fortunately, Cameron agreed to meet Taylor instead – as long as she gained weight

Fortunately, Cameron agreed to meet Taylor instead – as long as the Bray Bomber stepped up to her weight class.

When asked how difficult it was to switch from prep to face Serrano and suddenly face Cameron, Taylor said, “We always knew this fight was going to happen.

“I think I’ve had my eye on Chantelle for a few years now. This is a fight I’ve always wanted myself. The adaptation from Amanda Serrano to Chantelle Cameron was fantastic.

“My motivation is as high as ever for this fight. I think it would have been much worse if I had gone from Amanda Serrano to a mandatory opponent. That would be a fight I couldn’t really stand up for, but this is a fight that I am.

“I’m really motivated for it. She is also motivated and I know it. I’ll have to be at my best to beat her on fight night. People say this fight is going to be an even better fight than the Amanda Serrano fight.

Ireland’s fans will be out in full force for Taylor’s (right) fight at the 3Arena this weekend

“So there’s a huge appetite for battle. I’m very excited about it and I’m glad it was made.’

When asked what she fears most about her new opponent, Taylor said, “I wouldn’t say I’m afraid of anything. I am, of course, aware of the challenge ahead of me.

“She has a big engine and I am prepared for that. She’s big and strong and I’m prepared for that too.

“I also have a big bike and I’m strong too, so I wouldn’t say I’m afraid of her, but I’m aware of the challenge ahead. I will be ready for anything that comes my way on fight night.”