The fighter Cameron vacates World Boxing Council belt in protest against rules for women boxers
Chantelle Cameron chose to relinquish her world championship belt on Friday as a symbolic gesture against current regulations in the sport for women, demanding the option to compete in extended rounds like male boxers.
Demonstration against disparity
The boxer’s move to relinquish her championship belt originates from her strong opposition with the boxing governing body’s requirement that female fighters fight in reduced rounds, which the 34-year-old regards as unfair standards.
“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the choice to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and identical regard.”
Context of the championship
The fighter was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was designated “Champion in Recess” as she paused from boxing. The boxing organization was set to have a financial bid on that day for a fight between Cameron and other UK fighter her potential opponent.
Earlier case
In December 2023, Amanda Serrano also relinquished her championship after the organization refused to allow her to participate in fights under the equivalent rules as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.
Council’s stance
The council head, the president, had declared previously that they would not authorize longer fights in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis female players compete 3 sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are less physical sports. We support the welfare of the boxers,” he wrote on X.
Present practice
The majority of female championship bouts have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was among over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who initiated an effort in last year to have the right to fight under the same rules as men fighters.
Career statistics
Cameron, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her stand extends beyond individual choice, describing it as a struggle for coming generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my achievement in earning a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for equality and for the sport’s development,” she added.
Future plans
The fighter is not stepping away from professional fighting altogether, however, with her representatives her team saying she aims to chase alternative belt prospects and prestigious matches while continuing to demand on participating in three-minute rounds.