Chantelle Cameron gives up World Boxing Council championship in demonstration against rules for women boxers
Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on this week as a form of protest against the status quo in female boxing, calling for the right to compete in three-minute rounds matching male counterparts.
Stand against inequality
Her choice to vacate her title comes from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women fight in shorter rounds, which the 34-year-old considers gender disparity.
“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” the boxer declared. “My conviction has always been in equality and that includes the option to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and the same recognition.”
Background of the championship
The fighter was upgraded to title holder when the previous title holder was named “inactive champion” as she took a break from the sport. The boxing organization was preparing for a purse bid on Friday for a fight between Cameron and fellow British boxer her potential opponent.
Earlier case
In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano likewise vacated her championship after the organization declined to permit her to participate in matches under the same rule-set as male boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
WBC’s position
The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had stated earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis women play three sets, for basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We support the health and protection of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.
Current standard
The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and Cameron was one of over twenty fighters – like Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the right to fight under the equivalent conditions as men.
Career statistics
Cameron, who maintains a impressive fight record, emphasized that her protest goes beyond personal preference, presenting it as a fight for future generations of female boxers. “I’m proud of my success in earning a title holder, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the future of the sport,” she concluded.
Next steps
Cameron is not retiring from the sport entirely, however, with her representatives her team indicating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and high-profile fights while persisting in her requirement on competing in extended rounds.
