Will Jessica McCaskill v Chantelle Cameron Be Different at 147?
On November 5, Jessica “CasKILLA” McCaskill (12-3, 5 KOs) lost to Chantelle Cameron (17-0, 8 KOs) in a bid to win the undisputed women’s junior welterweight championship. Currently the reigning undisputed champion at welterweight, McCaskill dropped down a division attempting to achieve the same accomplishment at 140, but to no avail.
Following her win, Cameron said she is open to fighting McCaskill again. However, she wants it to happen at welterweight. The newly undisputed 140-pound champ envisions herself moving up a division and taking McCaskill’s belts.
TO TAKE OR NOT TAKE THE FIGHT
Most would think McCaskill would be down to run it back, especially at 147. After all, she is the queen of that division. During the first half of her loss to Cameron, the welterweight champ seemed to lack intensity and vigor. That could have been from losing the extra weight and thus not having her usual energy and strength. She picked it up as the fight went along, but it was too little, too late.
In a rematch at welterweight, one would surmise McCaskill would be at a weight where she’s more comfortable and at full strength. But here’s the thing: CasKILLA is 38 years old. Just like moving down a division at this stage of her career could have played a role in her loss, moving back up in weight could also have a negative impact. You can get away with it in your early and mid-twenties, when the body can adjust and quickly recover. That’s not the case for an older fighter.
By contrast, the 31-year-old Cameron is younger and has the frame to go up in weight. With a victory over her adversary, she would carry all the confidence in the world in a second meeting.
PLENTY TO PONDER
Rematches come with the hope that the fighter who lost the first time can turn things around. The other side is that the person who won previously will again show their superiority. McCaskill will assuredly move back up and defend her welterweight titles. But will she accept Cameron’s proposition? It’s the dilemma McCaskill must contemplate as she decides what she wants to do next.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
