Chantelle Cameron gives up World Boxing Council title in demonstration against women’s boxing rules
The British fighter decided to vacate her WBC super-lightweight title on this week as a form of protest against current regulations in women’s boxing, calling for the opportunity to fight in three-minute rounds similar to male boxers.
Stand against inequality
Her choice to vacate her title comes from her clear disagreement with the World Boxing Council’s mandate that female fighters compete in two-minute rounds, which the veteran boxer regards as unequal treatment.
“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in equality and that includes the option to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and the same recognition.”
Context of the belt
Cameron was promoted to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was categorized “temporary champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The WBC was planning to hold a purse bid on recently for a bout between the champion and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.
Prior instance
In December 2023, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the governing body refused to allow her to compete in matches under the identical regulations as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Council’s stance
The WBC president, the president, had declared before that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis female players compete fewer sets, regarding basketball the hoop is lower and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We support the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he wrote on his platform.
Present practice
Most women’s title fights have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was one of over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the right to participate under the same rules as men fighters.
Career statistics
The boxer, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her protest extends beyond individual choice, presenting it as a fight for future generations of female athletes. “I feel proud of my achievement in attaining a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the future of the sport,” she continued.
Next steps
Cameron is not retiring from professional fighting completely, however, with her representatives her promotion company saying she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on fighting in extended rounds.
