Chantelle a poster girl for boxing

THIS IS Chantelle Cameron’s breakthrough, her entry to the big show.

Her opponent for the IBO World lightweight title in Leicester tonight, Viviane Obenauf (below), has improved since she lost on points to Katie Taylor 12 months ago. The Brazilian-born WBF champion showed then how tough she is and has yet to be stopped in 15 bouts.

Cameron (above) did not get the reward she deserved in the amateurs where she was overlooked despite six years in the elite programme.

The pro game suits her aggressive, come-forward style perfectly. The ultimate target is to share a ring with the likes of Taylor and Belgium’s WBC champion Delfine Persoon, to dominate the lightweight division.

One thing is for sure: if Taylor wants to be considered the best lightweight in women’s boxing she will have to test that claim against Cameron. Taylor is a great stylist but she does not have Cameron’s explosive power.

We are in the foothills of the women’s professional game. It is making great strides but we can and must do more to further women’s boxing.

The disparity in pay is one thing but that is simply a consequence of sport’s business model. Without the media coverage, the broadcast hours and column inches, no one makes money, men included.

It is not about gender, it’s about marketability. The top women’s boxers are great to watch and, as reputations are built and visibility increases, this will be reflected in prize money. I’m determined to make that happen and, in the case of Cameron, Cyclone has a real trailblazer, one who will encourage young girls to get involved in the sport.

Women have been helped by the introduction of 8oz gloves, but more must be done. There is no reason why the championship drama should be limited to 10 two-minute rounds.

It is disrespectful. Women are either boxers or they are not and therefore should be allowed to contest championship bouts over 12 three-minute rounds like the men.

Anything less is sexist and fails to recognise the quality, commitment and hard work that women put into the sport.

The day is coming when women top the bill on a big championship show.