Would a second defeat to Chantelle Cameron be career-ending for Katie Taylor?

Katie Taylor is an icon and pioneer of women’s boxing, with her immense success in the ring and mass popularity throughout the world helping put the sport on the map and bring it to a wider audience.

At this stage of her illustrious career, nothing could tarnish the legacy she will leave behind. However, her professional boxing career arguably hangs in the balance as she preps for a second bout with Chantelle Cameron.

Taylor publicly called out the English fighter on social media earlier this year, and the pair later went head-to-head in a blockbuster undisputed super-lightweight championship bout at the 3Arena in Dublin.

It marked the 37-year-old’s first professional fight on home soil. Those looking at the Katie Taylor odds wouldn’t dare back against her in those circumstances, nor with a passionate Irish crowd of 9,000 supporters making the 3Arena a lion’s den.

However, Cameron caused an almighty upset in Dublin and won by majority decision after a gruelling 10 rounds of action — with two judges scoring the fight 96-94 in her favour and the other deeming it an eyebrow-raising 95-95 draw.

The second bout is due to take place on November 25, with Cameron somewhat reluctantly agreeing to the rematch being held back at the 3Arena despite having the upper hand in the negotiation process.

For the first time in her professional career though, Taylor is heading into this fight as the underdog thanks to her previous loss to Cameron. She will take no notice of the betting odds and has already vowed to avenge that defeat when the pair trade blows again later this month.

“Every single fight is a must win. I’m very aware this fight is a must win fight,” Taylor said. “I’m very grateful to have a chance to rectify things and get things right.

“At the end of the day resurrection is built in my mindset and is in my DNA. I’ve been here before, not as a pro, I know how to come back strong.”

There is so much at stake for Taylor in this fight, and the worry for her fans is that a second loss to Cameron could spell the end of her professional boxing career.

That is a view that is shared by Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents both fighters, as he claimed: “I think you can say her career is up for grabs. Chantelle knows what a competitor Katie is and if her career is on the line she’s going to give it everything.”

Former foe and seven-division world champion Amando Serrano, who KT beat in the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden in a breakthrough bout for the sport, has already ruled out facing Taylor in a rematch should she lose to Cameron for a second time — which would be a big blow for women’s boxing.

Taylor believes that her new approach to the fight will see her turn the tables, but Cameron’s win was rather comfortable and she is planning on coming back to Ireland stronger and more aggressive than she was earlier this year, while also showing less respect to the Irish phenom in the ring.

If Taylor is to get beat again, it really could be the end of her career.