Chantelle Cameron gives up WBC title in protest against rules for women boxers
The British fighter decided to vacate her world championship belt on recently as an act of defiance against the status quo in female boxing, demanding the opportunity to battle in three-minute rounds similar to men fighters.
Protest against unequal treatment
The boxer’s move to relinquish her title originates from her strong opposition with the boxing governing body’s rule that female fighters fight in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unequal treatment.
“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the option to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”
Background of the belt
Cameron was upgraded to title holder when the previous title holder was named “inactive champion” as she paused from boxing. The boxing organization was planning to hold a financial bid on that day for a match between the champion and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.
Previous precedent
In December 2023, Amanda Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the organization would not authorize her to participate in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.
WBC’s position
The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared before that they would not authorize longer fights in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis they play three sets, in basketball the hoop is lower and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We stand by the welfare of the athletes,” he commented on X.
Present practice
The majority of female championship bouts have 10 rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was among more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in recently to have the right to fight under the equivalent conditions as men fighters.
Fighting history
The boxer, who holds a strong career statistics, stated clearly that her protest is more than personal preference, framing it as a struggle for future generations of women fighters. “I’m proud of my success in earning a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.
Future plans
Cameron is not stepping away from the sport entirely, however, with her promoters her promotion company saying she plans to pursue different title chances and prestigious matches while continuing to demand on participating in longer duration fights.
