In the last of our lockdown series by freelance journalists, Sonia Randev looks through the eyes of two world champions, in Savannah Marshall and Chantelle Cameron, at how they and women’s boxing survived – but still face a tough 2021

IT’S been a hard year for sport in general and boxing in particular. Big title fights like this weekend’s Anthony Joshua v Kubrat Pulev world heavyweight title fight can generate pay-per-view money, and now extra revenue with a limited number of fans back at Wembley Arena, but for many boxers it has been a case of hoping to get a slot, and a payday, on one of the bills that big promoters with TV deals like Matchroom can put on.

They have done their best to include women in their fight camps, including a triple-header in November, but places have still been limited with so many fighters and their trainers battling for a slot. It’s a shame as the result has frequently been a series of competitive and entertaining women’s bouts.

Two of the luckier ones may have been Savannah Marshall and Chantelle Cameron, who at least got to fight this year, but both have been struggling to keep going – even contemplating taking jobs with Deliveroo.

After her fight earlier in the year for the WBO light-heavyweight belt was called off, Marshall eventually got her shot at the WBO middleweight belt and beat fellow Brit Hannah Rankin to claim the belt. Grateful as she is to have had a fight, and earned something, at least, she has nothing on the schedule yet in what is a frustrating time for her and others.

“My flight was meant to take place at light heavy but got postponed,” she explains. “People questioned why I was fighting at middleweight but with the pandemic, any opportunity that was presented to me, to not only fight but to win a world title, I’m of course going to take it.

“I’m lucky I’ve got a few sponsors to keep me going but really I’m reliant on fighting. Even after winning a world title, I’ve not had any brands knock on my door. I’m about my boxing. I came from the Team GB set-up, along with Chantelle and Tasha Jonas – 14-15 years fighting at amateur levels, supported financially, etc.

“The pro game is of course different and it’s all about getting those fight opportunities. Yes, others have fought more than me this year but there have been others that were given more opportunities before the pandemic.”

Marshall adds: “I don’t have a personal story to share that may resonate with the brand’s marketing strategy. I respect all those that have overcome their struggles to make it as a boxer. I mean, do people not know that me and Chantelle train during the day, and struggle to make ends meet to the point where we could have to think about getting jobs with Deliveroo in the evening? That could be our reality.”

“We are world champions that have dedicated our lives to the sport but then to see other girls fighting more than yourselves – and it’s great to see, I want as many female fighters bringing attention to the sport – but I too want another fight before the year is out. To defend my title and earn. I’m training all the time, keeping myself busy and ready. With not much money coming in between fights, I need to fight.

“It’s been tough this year and I know there have been many that haven’t had any chance to fight. Some boxers probably don’t need to fight this year, that could pave the way for others to get some fights, but again it’s a business and down to what the fans want to see, so mandatories and obligations must be seen too. We also fight 10-rounders as opposed to some of the girls fighting on 4-6 rounds. They probably wouldn’t be as costly but we still need to fight. And I’m speaking for all boxers. The women don’t get paid as much as the men, so when we do fight, every penny counts.”

Cameron was also lucky enough to feature on Sky Sports for a world title and walked away with the WBC super-lightweight belt. She too highlights the effect of not making money through extra streams such as ticket sales or getting enough fights in.

“My fight was postponed this year, which was at no fault of anyone’s,” she says. “Eventually, my shot at the WBC title came in September, so I got the chance to not only fight but to showcase my skills.

“I was ecstatic when I won the world title. I thought this is it now, even with the pandemic, I’ll get given more fights, hopefully, one before the year is out and I would be approached by some brands to support my journey. It hasn’t been like that at all and although it’s been a challenging time for all, including businesses, I still thought the buzz may have attracted the attention of brands and commercial deals. I genuinely thought, winning a world title would open some doors, and disappointingly it hasn’t but hopefully going forward, this will change.

“I’m not one to shout on socials or share a personal story to bring attention to myself,” Cameron adds. “When all the women fought, people were talking about the boxing rather than our looks or bodies.

“It’s tough because I just want to fight and create a legacy. At present just relying on fight purses is a struggle. I’m grateful to have at least fought as there are so many that haven’t fought at all and it’s hard for all of us. I have a few loyal sponsors and without them, it would have been much harder but inactivity in the ring is frustrating. I’m reliant on my purse bids and the need for more support is crucial.”

Fans may still want to see the big names and fights even during the restrictions of the pandemic but as we go into a new year, here’s hoping that the promoters can find more room for boxers – especially financially hard-pressed women’s world champions – in need of the profile. Even if TV viewers’ gain may be Deliveroo’s loss.