Chantelle Cameron relinquishes WBC championship in demonstration against women’s boxing rules
The super-lightweight champion chose to relinquish her world championship belt on this week as a form of protest against the status quo in female boxing, demanding the opportunity to compete in extended rounds like male counterparts.
Demonstration against disparity
Her choice to relinquish her title originates from her strong opposition with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women boxers compete in reduced rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unequal treatment.
“Women’s boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the option to have identical rules, identical prospects, and identical regard.”
Context of the belt
Cameron was promoted to world championship status when Katie Taylor was categorized “inactive champion” as she paused from professional fighting. The World Boxing Council was set to have a purse bid on Friday for a fight between Cameron and fellow British boxer her potential opponent.
Prior instance
In the end of last year, fellow boxer Serrano likewise vacated her WBC title after the organization would not authorize her to fight in fights under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with extended rounds.
WBC’s position
The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had stated previously that they would not approve 12 three-minute rounds in women’s bouts. “For tennis they play three sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the health and protection of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.
Current standard
Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was among numerous athletes – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the choice to compete under the same rules as male boxers.
Professional record
The boxer, who boasts a impressive fight record, made clear that her demonstration goes beyond her own wishes, describing it as a battle for future generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my achievement in becoming a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.
Future plans
The fighter is not stepping away from professional fighting completely, however, with her representatives her team indicating she aims to chase different title chances and prestigious matches while persisting in her requirement on fighting in longer duration fights.
