Cameron earned a unanimous decision with landslide scores of 100-90 on the judges’ cards
Chantelle Cameron, Britain’s latest world champion, admitted to “being a nervous wreck” before facing unbeaten Brazilian Adriana Araujo in Milton Keynes on Sunday. But, following an utterly dominant points victory, she said it was “emotional, unreal” to be crowned the new WBC super-lightweight belt holder.
The 29-year-old, who remains unbeaten in 13 fights, exerted utter control over her experienced Brazilian opponent, a London 2012 bronze medallist, to earn a unanimous decision with landslide scores of 100-90 on the judges’ cards.
Cameron bossed the tempo of the fight, out-thinking and out-boxing her heavier South American rival and making her look sluggish.
“I can’t even put it into words – I’m just emotional, it’s unreal,” said Cameron. “I was a nervous wreck but my team know how to keep me calm, they know how to make me have fun. They are the perfect team. If I relax, I have fun and get good wins. I wanted this belt – I just had to keep my head on it.”
Two-time Olympian Araujo had failed to make weight on Saturday which meant that only Cameron could claim the vacant belt with victory. The Northampton fighter was critical of her foe, known as ‘Pitbull’, who was 5lbs over the 140lb weight limit.
“She wasn’t professional enough to make the weight so I knew I would get the win and I just had to take it in my stride,” said Cameron. “I could feel the weight difference – she was really heavy and I could feel in her punches that she was carrying a bit of meat. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has backed me – it means the world to me.”
Jamie Moore, Cameron’s trainer, added: “Weight difference on the night was a massive factor. I think this is the start for her now and she can be involved in some exciting fights.”