Chantelle Cameron gives up World Boxing Council belt in demonstration against women’s boxing rules
The British fighter decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on recently as a form of protest against current regulations in the sport for women, demanding the right to compete in extended rounds like male counterparts.
Protest against inequality
Cameron’s decision to give up her title originates from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s rule that female fighters compete in reduced rounds, which the 34-year-old considers gender disparity.
“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” the boxer declared. “My conviction has always been in fairness and that includes the choice to compete under equal conditions, the same chances, and identical regard.”
Context of the title
Cameron was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was categorized “temporary champion” as she paused from boxing. The World Boxing Council was set to have a purse bid on recently for a bout between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan.
Previous precedent
In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her belt after the council refused to allow her to compete in bouts under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
WBC’s position
The council head, the president, had stated before that they would not sanction 12 three-minute rounds in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis female players compete three sets, in basketball the rim is reduced and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the health and protection of the athletes,” he wrote on X.
Existing norm
Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of reduced time each, and the British boxer was one of over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who started a movement in 2023 to have the option to fight under the identical regulations as male boxers.
Fighting history
The athlete, who boasts a impressive fight record, emphasized that her demonstration goes beyond her own wishes, framing it as a fight for coming generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my success in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the future of the sport,” she concluded.
Next steps
The athlete is not stepping away from boxing completely, however, with her promoters MVP stating she plans to pursue different title chances and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on participating in longer duration fights.