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Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as an act of defiance against existing rules in female boxing, calling for the right to battle in longer rounds matching male counterparts.

Demonstration against disparity

Cameron’s decision to relinquish her world title comes from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s rule that women boxers participate in reduced rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unequal treatment.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I’ve always believed in equality and that includes the right to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and identical regard.”

Context of the belt

The British boxer was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she paused from boxing. The WBC was set to have a purse bid on Friday for a match between Cameron and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In late 2023, another female fighter likewise vacated her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to participate in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Council’s stance

The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s boxing. “In tennis female players compete 3 sets, for basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are less physical sports. We stand by the welfare of the boxers,” he commented on X.

Existing norm

The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of two minutes each each, and the British boxer was part of more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the right to participate under the equivalent conditions as male boxers.

Career statistics

Cameron, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her demonstration goes beyond personal preference, presenting it as a struggle for future generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my success in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the future of the sport,” she added.

Future plans

Cameron is not retiring from professional fighting altogether, however, with her promoters her team indicating she intends to seek different title chances and prestigious matches while persisting in her requirement on fighting in longer duration fights.