British boxer Cameron vacates WBC belt in stand against women’s boxing rules

Chantelle Cameron chose to relinquish her world championship belt on recently as a symbolic gesture against existing rules in female boxing, calling for the opportunity to battle in extended rounds similar to male boxers.

Stand against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to vacate her title stems from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s rule that female fighters compete in two-minute rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unequal treatment.

“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” the boxer declared. “I’ve always believed in equal treatment and that includes the right to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and identical regard.”

Context of the title

The fighter was upgraded to title holder when former champion Taylor was named “temporary champion” as she paused from boxing. The WBC was preparing for a contract bid on that day for a match between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In the end of last year, another female fighter also relinquished her belt after the governing body declined to permit her to participate in matches under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

WBC’s position

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction 12 three-minute rounds in female matches. “For tennis women play three sets, regarding basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We support the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.

Present practice

The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was one of over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in recently to have the right to participate under the equivalent conditions as men.

Fighting history

The boxer, who maintains a strong career statistics, emphasized that her demonstration is more than personal preference, presenting it as a fight for coming generations of female athletes. “It’s an honor of my accomplishment in earning a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.

Future plans

The athlete is not leaving from boxing completely, however, with her management team MVP indicating she plans to pursue alternative belt prospects and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on competing in extended rounds.