Chantelle Cameron relinquishes WBC title in demonstration against women’s boxing rules

The British fighter chose to relinquish her world championship belt on recently as a form of protest against the status quo in female boxing, demanding the right to battle in three-minute rounds similar to male counterparts.

Demonstration against inequality

The boxer’s move to give up her championship belt originates from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s rule that women compete in reduced rounds, which the 34-year-old considers unequal treatment.

“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the choice to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and identical regard.”

Context of the belt

The fighter was promoted to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was designated “inactive champion” as she paused from boxing. The WBC was set to have a purse bid on recently for a bout between Cameron and other UK fighter her potential opponent.

Earlier case

In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her belt after the governing body refused to allow her to fight in fights under the identical regulations as male boxing, with longer duration fights.

WBC’s position

The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had stated earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis female players compete fewer sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are non-contact activities. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.

Existing norm

Most women’s title fights have multiple rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was part of over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who started a movement in 2023 to have the right to compete under the identical regulations as men fighters.

Fighting history

Cameron, who boasts a strong career statistics, made clear that her protest extends beyond personal preference, framing it as a battle for the next wave of women fighters. “I feel proud of my achievement in earning a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the sport’s development,” she added.

Coming actions

The fighter is not leaving from the sport completely, however, with her promoters MVP saying she intends to seek other championship opportunities and high-profile fights while persisting in her requirement on participating in extended rounds.