Promising British female Super Bantamweight, Ellie Scotney, is no longer expected to feature on the Dublin May 20th card where British undisputed Super Lightweight champion, Chantelle Cameron, is set to face Irish Lightweight undisputed champion, Katie Taylor. The reason behind the removal revolves around Ellie Scotney’s current coach, Shane McGuigan, who had coached Chantelle Cameron in the past.
Chantelle Cameron (17-0, 8 KO’s) and Shane McGuigan split in 2019 due to alleged mistreatment, humilation and intimidation that Cameron suffered from the team that was training her, led by McGuigan. Cameron ― a former amateur prospect who has netted home several important domestic titles during her amateur career ― had requested the removal of Ellie Scotney (6-0, 0 KO’s) due to her ties with her head trainer Shane McGuigan.
Having spent virtually her entire pro career under Shane McGuigan prior to leaving, Chantelle Cameron cited mistreatment and emotional distress as the cause for her departure. Though her match with Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KO’s) ― which will take place at 140 lbs ― is set to continue, Ellie Scotney will most likely not participate on the undercard of the Taylor-Cameron event that would see her face IBF Super Bantamweight champion, Australian Cherneka Johnson (15-1, 6 KO’s).
Ellie Scotney, who will now miss out on her first world title opportunity ― after a phenomenal year in 2022 that saw her step up in opposition and become a contender after dispatching quality opponents, despite her low number of fights ― has reached out on social media herself to express her disappointment.
“I am incredibly disappointed to say that I am now hearing I will be removed from the May 20th card in Dublin due to Chantelle Cameron and her manager insisting to my promoter that I’m not allowed to be on her undercard because of who trains me.” Scotney lamented.
Chantelle Cameron herself has reached out through social media to clarify her decision to request Ellie Scotney’s removal from the fight card due to her past experiences with Shane McGuigan.
“A few years ago I almost walked away from the sport I love because of what I went through with my team.” Chantelle Cameron stated through her Twitter account.
“I would have hoped that she would have understood the situation and how important our mental health is going into fights like these, especially as the away fighter in Dublin where Katie is hailed as a national treasure, the last thing I need is more intimidation.
“It brings me to this point where I am in the biggest fight of my life. It has not been an easy road and it has not been an easy decision for my team to make, but they have to protect me in this situation and I have to protect myself.
“I am sorry this impacts Ellie, this is not about her, and even though I don’t appreciate being publicly bullied and shamed into trying to change the decision last night, I really do wish her well moving forward and know that there are big opportunities around the corner for her.” Cameron finished.
Though the match between Ellie Scotney and Cherneka Johnson will likely not commence, the card will have plenty of other fights that will draw many eyes towards the event, including a world title bout between former undisputed champion Cecilia Brækhus (37-2, 9 KO’s) and current British WBA world champion, Terri Harper (13-1-1 6 KO’s). The bout between Scotney and Johnson will also likely be moved to another date given the preparations both fighters have put in, and the fact the bout is was mandated by the IBF itself.
Chantelle Cameron and Katie Taylor will headline the show in an unprecedented undisputed vs. undisputed match-up that will see Cameron putting all her titles on the line against Taylor. Though their match was only arranged after Amanda Serrano had to pull out of her May 20th fight with Taylor due to suffering an untimely injury, the event’s promoters have somehow managed to produce an equally-intriguing match-up between two fighters who have always been linked to each other for several years.
