The fighter Cameron gives up World Boxing Council title in protest against rules for women boxers
Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on Friday as a symbolic gesture against existing rules in the sport for women, demanding the option to compete in three-minute rounds like male boxers.
Protest against inequality
Her choice to relinquish her world title stems from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s mandate that female fighters compete in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old considers gender disparity.
“The sport for women has advanced significantly, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “My conviction has always been in equality and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and identical regard.”
Background of the title
The British boxer was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The WBC was set to have a purse bid on that day for a match between Cameron and fellow British boxer her potential opponent.
Previous precedent
In December 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her belt after the governing body refused to allow her to fight in fights under the same rule-set as male boxing, with extended rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The WBC president, Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not sanction 12 three-minute rounds in women’s boxing. “For tennis they play 3 sets, in basketball the rim is reduced and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We support the welfare of the boxers,” he wrote on his platform.
Current standard
Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of two minutes each each, and Cameron was part of more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who started a movement in 2023 to have the choice to fight under the identical regulations as men fighters.
Fighting history
The boxer, who maintains a strong career statistics, stated clearly that her demonstration goes beyond individual choice, describing it as a struggle for future generations of female athletes. “I’m proud of my success in becoming a title holder, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the future of the sport,” she added.
Next steps
The athlete is not retiring from professional fighting completely, however, with her management team her promotion company saying she intends to seek different title chances and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on participating in extended rounds.
