Chantelle Cameron relinquishes World Boxing Council title in protest against female boxing regulations
The British fighter decided to vacate her world championship belt on Friday as a symbolic gesture against existing rules in women’s boxing, calling for the opportunity to battle in longer rounds matching male boxers.
Stand against inequality
Cameron’s decision to relinquish her world title stems from her firm stance with the WBC’s mandate that women fight in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old regards as unfair standards.
“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement,” the boxer declared. “My conviction has always been in fairness and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and equal respect.”
Context of the title
The fighter was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she paused from boxing. The boxing organization was preparing for a contract bid on that day for a match between Cameron and fellow British boxer her potential opponent.
Prior instance
In late 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her belt after the council would not authorize her to fight in matches under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with extended rounds.
Council’s stance
The WBC president, the president, had stated before that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s bouts. “For tennis they play three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he wrote on X.
Current standard
Most women’s title fights have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was part of more than two dozen boxers – like Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the option to compete under the identical regulations as male boxers.
Professional record
Cameron, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her stand goes beyond individual choice, describing it as a struggle for the next wave of women fighters. “I feel proud of my success in becoming a world champion, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the future of the sport,” she added.
Coming actions
Cameron is not stepping away from boxing completely, however, with her management team her team saying she aims to chase different title chances and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on competing in extended rounds.
