Chantelle Cameron gives up WBC championship in demonstration against women’s boxing rules
The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on Friday as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in the sport for women, demanding the opportunity to fight in longer rounds similar to male counterparts.
Demonstration against inequality
The boxer’s move to give up her world title stems from her strong opposition with the WBC’s mandate that women boxers fight in two-minute rounds, which the veteran boxer considers unfair standards.
“The sport for women has advanced significantly, but there’s still room for improvement,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and equal respect.”
Context of the belt
The British boxer was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was designated “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The boxing organization was set to have a contract bid on that day for a bout between Cameron and compatriot the challenger.
Prior instance
In December 2023, another female fighter likewise vacated her championship after the governing body declined to permit her to compete in fights under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The council head, the president, had mentioned earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize extended rounds in female matches. “Regarding tennis female players compete fewer sets, in basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We support the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he wrote on his platform.
Existing norm
Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of shorter duration each, and Cameron was one of numerous athletes – like Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the option to fight under the same rules as men.
Professional record
The athlete, who boasts a strong career statistics, emphasized that her protest is more than her own wishes, describing it as a struggle for the next wave of women fighters. “I feel proud of my achievement in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.
Future plans
The athlete is not stepping away from professional fighting altogether, however, with her promoters her team saying she aims to chase alternative belt prospects and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on fighting in three-minute rounds.
