Cameron vs McCaskill: Abu Dhabi to host its first-ever female boxing world title fight

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Chantelle Cameron celebrates beating Victoria Noelia Bustos for the WBC and IBF Super Lightweight titles. (Mark Robinson/Matchroom)
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Jessica McCaskill (right) during her fight against and Alba Ibarra at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio. (Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)
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Updated 30 September 2022
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Cameron vs McCaskill: Abu Dhabi to host its first-ever female boxing world title fight

  • Two of the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighters will square-off for the undisputed super-lightweight world title

ABU DHABI: The first female boxing world title fight to be held in Abu Dhabi will see American Jessica McCaskill taking on Britain’s Chantelle Cameron at Etihad Arena on Yas Island for the undisputed super-lightweight world title on Nov. 5.

McCaskill, the reigning undisputed welterweight champion, will square off against WBC/IBF light-welterweight title holder Cameron after the former dropped down in weight to enhance her pound-for-pound credentials.

Organized by Matchroom Boxing and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, the mega-bout is part of the Champions Series inaugural fight card, which is headlined by Russian star Dmitry Bivol’s WBA light-heavyweight title defense against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.

Undefeated Cameron (15-0, 8 KOs), often known as Il Capo, has held the WBC Women’s Light-Welterweight Championship since 2020, and previously won world championships in two weight classes.

She successfully defended her title in May against Victoria Noelia Bustos, a previous world champion, in London.

McCaskill (12-2, 5 KOs), nicknamed CasKILLA, recently defeated Mexico’s Alma Ibarra to complete her third successful defense of the welterweight title.

The Missouri veteran made the decision to once more shift down a division to 140 lbs to secure the fight with Cameron that she has long been gunning for.

“This is a historic encounter not just for the careers of the two fighters, but also for the sport of boxing in the Middle East,” said Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport.

“To have two of the game’s best female fighters facing off in Abu Dhabi for the undisputed super-lightweight world title is the perfect way to show the world that Matchroom and DCT Abu Dhabi mean business with this partnership.

“We are making history on Nov. 5 and looking forward to doing so in front of a sold-out Etihad Arena.”

 


Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in T20 series on Wednesday as World Cup preparations intensify

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Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in T20 series on Wednesday as World Cup preparations intensify

  • The series will help selectors finalize Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup starting next month
  • Pakistan will play all World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, making the series key for adapting to local conditions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match Twenty20 international series starting on Wednesday in Dambulla, as the visitors step up preparations for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The series, with matches scheduled for Jan. 7, 9 and 11, is expected to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s final 15-member squad for the World Cup, which begins on Feb. 7. Pakistan will play all of their World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, making the bilateral series an important chance to adjust to local conditions and finalize combinations.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the team would use the series to assess players and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.

“The series provides a great opportunity for everyone to perform,” Salman said at a pre-series news conference.

“Playing here ahead of the World Cup is a significant advantage for us, and we will look to acclimatize to the conditions as quickly as possible,” he continued.

Salman will continue to lead a T20 side that enjoyed a strong 2025, winning two tri-series tournaments and bilateral series against Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa. The captain said the management was keen to test emerging players alongside established names.

“We have good players in our squad who are future prospects,” he added. “We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series.”

Pakistan have had the edge in recent T20 meetings with Sri Lanka, winning three of their last five encounters, including a knockout match at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and the final of a tri-series in Rawalpindi.

Wednesday’s opening match will begin at 7 p.m. local time in Dambulla.