The fighter Cameron gives up WBC title in protest against female boxing regulations

Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on this week as an act of defiance against the status quo in the sport for women, calling for the right to battle in longer rounds similar to male counterparts.

Stand against disparity

Her choice to give up her world title stems from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women fight in shorter rounds, which the veteran boxer considers unfair standards.

“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “My conviction has always been in fairness and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities, and equal respect.”

Context of the title

The fighter was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she took a break from professional fighting. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a purse bid on that day for a match between Cameron and fellow British boxer her potential opponent.

Earlier case

In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the organization would not authorize her to compete in matches under the identical regulations as fighters’ boxing, with longer duration fights.

Council’s stance

The organization’s leader, the president, had declared before that they would not approve extended rounds in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis they play 3 sets, for basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We support the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he commented on social media.

Current standard

Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of reduced time each, and the British boxer was part of over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the choice to participate under the same rules as men.

Fighting history

The boxer, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her demonstration goes beyond personal preference, describing it as a battle for the next wave of female boxers. “I’m proud of my success in attaining a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the future of the sport,” she concluded.

Coming actions

The athlete is not leaving from professional fighting completely, however, with her management team her team indicating she aims to chase alternative belt prospects and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on competing in longer duration fights.