Armed with a new promoter in Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, former undisputed junior welterweight champion
Chantelle Cameron has aligned herself with a new training setup too.
Having left Jamie Moore's Manchester base for Grant Smith in Sheffield when joining Frank Warren's Queensberry last year, she'll head two hours west to Liverpool after announcing her new partnership with two-time world junior lightweight challenger Stephen Smith.
The 39-year-old coach is the second-oldest of four fighting Smith brothers, having pitched an 11-year professional career where he became a British and Commonwealth champion before testing his mettle abroad with mixed success.
Although the legendary Irishwoman is gearing up to face Amanda Serrano once more July 20, Cameron is positive she'll finish her own career strongly — with new goals and wishes on the shortlist.
Il Capo spoke about emulating two-weight world titlist
Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs) by moving up to welterweight, seeking new challenges, while the possibility of retirement was a consideration, too.
When asked about her new working relationship with Smith, she told Fight Post: "I am absolutely loving it. Grant [Smith] is a great trainer and guy, but something was just missing.
"I had that great bond with Jamie and Nigel when I was with them. We had a laugh, I saw them as friends as well, they've been there for me through the highs and lows. I have been messaging Stephen for a while, he's such a nice guy. All the brothers are such good boxers, I kind of get four for the price of one."
Eldest brother Paul, another retired former world title challenger, continues lending his advice and analysis within the sport. Liam and Callum, both ex-world champions, are still active, and combined the close-knit quartet can offer a wealth of experience.
"Stephen is such a great coach, he is learning me loads, giving me a lot of time — have never really had that before —
you can tell he's just as hungry as I am. It has given me that hunger back as well."
Stephen, who became a full-time coach last year, has a range of different fighters in his stable, including WBA's No. 4-ranked junior middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (17-0, 7 KOs) and Walsall flyweight prospect Hamza Uddin (4-0, 1 KO).
The 34-year-old kicked off her promotional stint with Queensberry by pitching a pair of 10-round decision victories, over Elhem Mekhaled and former junior middleweight champion Patricia Berghult, to win and defend the WBC interim world title at 140 pounds.
She has since been told that, with victory next time out, she'll fight for the full title whether the Taylor-Serrano III winner vacates or is ordered to defend. However, the most recent win came on Nov. 2 and her 2025 campaign still isn't underway.
While an announcement on her next opponent is expected imminently, the Northampton boxer hinted it's an exciting matchup that will set her up for better opportunities to come.
"Last year wasn't the year I wanted. I didn't have that hunger, just couldn't get up for those fights. But now I have a coach who is making me want to be a world champion again. I want to give it to Stephen just as much as I want it for myself."
Not too dissimilar to Ellie Scotney, she acknowledges signing with MVP is a game-changer at a time where they are investing heavily in women's boxing.
Still, she's appreciative of Queensberry's efforts to facilitate her aspirations after arriving there during a low point in her professional career. Despite having one fight left on her deal, they allowed her to pursue other options without any contractual disputes.
"It was actually Queensberry that set the deal up, have nothing but good things to say about them — supported me through my comeback, tried to get me the third Katie fight or another world title shot."
"I do want to be undisputed again before I retire, so I can walk away at the top. I just want the big fights, to share the ring with the big names — someone like Mayer or Natasha Jonas."