Boxing 'inspiration' Cameron to get freedom of town

Chantelle Cameron (left) lost to Katie Taylor on points in Dublin on Saturday night

Boxer Chantelle Cameron will be given the Freedom of Northampton at a civic ceremony in December.

Cameron was narrowly defeated by Irish star Katie Taylor in Dublin on Saturday night, losing her undisputed light-welterweight world champion status.

However, Cameron will be honoured in her hometown alongside Northampton Saints and England rugby player Courtney Lawes, who retired from international rugby after the World Cup.

Prior to Saturday, Cameron had been undefeated in 19 bouts and had hoped her next fight would be at Northampton Saints' stadium.

The Mayor of Northampton, Stephen Hibbert, said: "Chantelle Cameron shines a light on women’s boxing and we are incredibly proud that she hails from Northampton.

"In recognition of her significant achievements, we are delighted to award her with the Freedom of the Town, which is the highest honour the town council can grant to an individual."

Boxing coach John Daly says Chantelle Cameron's success deserves recognition

John Daly runs Far Cotton Amateur Boxing Club in Northampton and has worked with Cameron for over a decade.

'This will give boxing in Northampton such a lift," he told BBC Look East, ahead of her Dublin defeat.

"Even when she was a young girl we knew she had something special.

"Her name is known all over the world. Everyone should be talking about her.

"She's done the town proud. It's brilliant."

Clare Reilly taught Cameron Thai boxing over ten years ago

Cameron started as a kick-boxer and then turned to boxing as a teenager. One of her first coaches was Clare Reilly.

"Chantelle’s success shows just how far women’s boxing has come," said Ms Reilly.

"She’s always been driven. Her dedication, her drive - this has been her destiny.

"She’s inspired many girls to step into a ring and follow in her footsteps."

Boxer Amy Matthews says Chantelle Cameron is a huge inspiration

Amy Matthews, who trains at Far Cotton every week, said Cameron had been a huge inspiration.

"Women’s boxing was nowhere," she said.

"She’s taken a stand and encouraged us women warriors.

"The number of women who train here every week - it’s packed.

"She’s done workshops, she goes into schools, she brings the community together."

Cameron had planned to stage her next fight at Northampton Saints' Cinch Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens, in front of her home crowd.

After Saturday's fight, the victorious Taylor said she would like a third bout with Cameron given that they were now tied at one win apiece.

However, she suggested the "decider" could be at Dublin's 80,000-capacity Croke Park.