Liam Cameron’s ability to overcome adversity is so extraordinary that if it were a sport, he would have undoubtedly earned multiple world championships.
Cameron’s compelling tale might someday grace the silver screen, evoking heartfelt emotions from the audience. Nevertheless, this true-life saga is currently transitioning into its climactic third chapter as it ventures into Cameron’s familiar realm of the boxing arena in Bolton tomorrow night (June 21).
Cameron, a resident of Sheffield in his early thirties, is set to face off against Lyndon Arthur from Manchester in a highly anticipated light heavyweight showdown. The electrifying main event will be broadcasted live on Channel 5, with the additional incentive of the WBA Inter-Continental title at stake. Nevertheless, for Cameron, this fight holds tremendous significance beyond just the championship.
“It’s the World Cup final, isn’t it, as Steve Bunce said on Channel 5 last week. World Cup final for me,” he tells Boxing News.
Cameron’s world title bout marks a crucial moment in his career. Defeating Arthur would propel the ‘Cannonball’ to new heights, potentially earning him a coveted WBA top 15 ranking or a similar recognition.
Cameron’s life took an unexpected turn in January 2020 as he bid farewell to his boxing career and embarked on an uncertain path. This decision was prompted by the aftermath of his first Commonwealth middleweight title defense against Nicky Jenman. Initially declared victorious by TKO, Cameron’s win was nullified when he tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, with traces amounting to 25 nanograms. Consequently, UKAD imposed a four-year ban on Cameron, effectively barring him from participating in the sport.
One week after his punishment was confirmed, Cameron spoke to Elliot Worsell for Boxing News and said, “I hope I don’t get the urge (to return) because I’m going to be an old man in boxing, at 32. I’ll be 34 by the time I box for another title. How can I get back into boxing after four years away?”
In July of that year, tragedy struck when Cameron’s stepdaughter Tiegan, aged 20, lost her life in a devastating road traffic accident. His path took a dark turn as alcoholism, weight gain, and depression all contributed to his downfall. However, he has now managed to overcome these challenges and has emerged on the other side, leading a clean, healthy, and sober life.
He confidently declares, “I will never consume alcohol again. I am well aware of my resilience. Moreover, I possess this strength within me. I take pride in my accomplishment, and others acknowledge it as well.”
For those grappling with addiction, Cameron offers some advice: “Don’t wait for a scare to push you towards change. Start now. Don’t delay it for Monday or any other day. Take control of it.”
Once you reach the 10-day mark, you will feel an immense sense of pride in yourself, to the point where you will have no desire to engage with it. It is crucial to distance yourself from friends who constantly indulge in drinking in order to relax and take care of yourself. It is important to prioritize your own well-being and assertively communicate that you need to take a break. This behavior is not beneficial for my health. Embracing a selfish mindset is necessary.
Cameron, a 23-5 boxer with 10 knockouts, demonstrates his selflessness in his revived boxing journey. When questioned about his motivations for returning to the ring, he credits his kids and girlfriend. He emphasizes that his loved ones are his main driving force and that they propel him forward, rather than his own desires.
Cameron finds life these days rather dull, but that actually suits him perfectly. His focus revolves around his gym sessions, where he is certain that his hard work will eventually pay off. He eagerly awaits his upcoming fight against Lyndon Arthur, who recently went toe-to-toe with Dmitry Bivol for a full 12 rounds, taking the challenge on short notice back in December.
Cameron, previously competing in middle and super-middleweight, has transitioned to the light-heavyweight division, currently weighing 175lbs. This weight is 25 pounds lighter than his comeback fight against Robbie Connor in October of the previous year.
“I remember weighing in as a cruiserweight for that fight,” he reminisces. “Back then, I was still a bit out of shape. Connor, on the other hand, was a Scottish international amateur and huge for the weight class. I’ve improved a lot since my last bout. I’m constantly progressing, not just in terms of my boxing skills, but also in terms of my strength and overall physique.”
On Friday night Cameron is going to give it his all against his former world-ranked opponent who is looking to get back into the top 10 this year. Whether it’s a boxing match or a fight Cameron will be there willing to do whatever it takes as you might expect but after wins against Robbie Connor, Harry Matthews and Hussein Itaba it is a meteoric rise to then take on Arthur, 23-2 (16 KOs), who has mixed in world-class company. BN asked Cameron how good he thinks his
He’s doing great, but how much does he still have right now? How much does he have left? Those tough fights gradually deplete your reserves.
In my opinion, he has come to realize that he will never become a world champion, and as a result, his desire to achieve that goal has diminished. I want to clarify that I mean no disrespect towards him.
Cameron’s future remains uncertain as he contemplates what lies ahead, even after potentially achieving a remarkable upset in front of a terrestrial TV audience.
He states, “There’s a chance I could triumph in this match and decide to retire from boxing. It’s impossible to predict, isn’t it? You just never know. On the other hand, a defeat might fuel my motivation even further. I honestly can’t say for sure.”
