Chantelle Cameron gives up WBC title in stand against women’s boxing rules

The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as an act of defiance against existing rules in female boxing, demanding the right to fight in extended rounds like male boxers.

Stand against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to vacate her championship belt stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s rule that women compete in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old considers gender disparity.

“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the choice to fight equal rounds, the same chances, and equal respect.”

Context of the belt

The fighter was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was named “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from the sport. The boxing organization was planning to hold a purse bid on that day for a match between Cameron and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Earlier case

In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the council declined to permit her to fight in matches under the identical regulations as fighters’ boxing, with longer duration fights.

Organization’s viewpoint

The council head, Sulaimán, had mentioned previously that they would not authorize longer fights in female matches. “For tennis they play 3 sets, regarding basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We support the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.

Present practice

Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and the British boxer was among more than two dozen boxers – such as Serrano – who started a movement in 2023 to have the option to fight under the same rules as male boxers.

Professional record

The boxer, who boasts a strong career statistics, made clear that her stand goes beyond personal preference, framing it as a battle for the next wave of female boxers. “I’m proud of my accomplishment in attaining a world champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the boxing’s progression,” she concluded.

Coming actions

The fighter is not retiring from boxing altogether, however, with her representatives her promotion company indicating she aims to chase different title chances and high-profile fights while continuing to demand on participating in longer duration fights.