The fighter Cameron gives up WBC title in stand against rules for women boxers

Chantelle Cameron chose to relinquish her WBC super-lightweight title on Friday as a form of protest against current regulations in women’s boxing, demanding the option to battle in three-minute rounds like male counterparts.

Stand against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to relinquish her title originates from her firm stance with the World Boxing Council’s rule that women compete in reduced rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unequal treatment.

“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I’ve always believed in equality and that includes the choice to compete under equal conditions, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”

Context of the championship

The British boxer was promoted to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was named “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from boxing. The World Boxing Council was set to have a financial bid on recently for a bout between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In December 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to compete in bouts under the identical regulations as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Council’s stance

The WBC president, Sulaimán, had stated earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction 12 three-minute rounds in female matches. “For tennis female players compete 3 sets, in basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are non-contact activities. We support the welfare of the athletes,” he commented on X.

Existing norm

The majority of female championship bouts have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was part of numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who started a movement in last year to have the choice to compete under the same rules as male boxers.

Fighting history

The athlete, who holds a strong career statistics, made clear that her protest goes beyond personal preference, presenting it as a battle for future generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my accomplishment in becoming a world champion, but it’s time to take a stand for equality and for the sport’s development,” she continued.

Next steps

Cameron is not retiring from professional fighting completely, however, with her management team her team indicating she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while continuing to demand on participating in extended rounds.