Chantelle Cameron gives up WBC championship in stand against rules for women boxers
The British fighter decided to vacate her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as an act of defiance against the status quo in women’s boxing, demanding the opportunity to compete in extended rounds like male boxers.
Demonstration against disparity
Cameron’s decision to vacate her title originates from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women boxers participate in reduced rounds, which the experienced fighter considers unequal treatment.
“Women’s boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the right to compete under equal conditions, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”
Context of the title
Cameron was upgraded to title holder when the previous title holder was designated “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from boxing. The boxing organization was preparing for a financial bid on Friday for a fight between the champion and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.
Earlier case
In the end of last year, Amanda Serrano likewise vacated her WBC title after the governing body refused to allow her to compete in bouts under the same rule-set as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
WBC’s position
The council head, the president, had stated before that they would not sanction extended rounds in female matches. “Regarding tennis women play fewer sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the athletes,” he commented on social media.
Current standard
Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and the British boxer was one of more than two dozen boxers – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the choice to participate under the identical regulations as men fighters.
Fighting history
The boxer, who maintains a strong career statistics, emphasized that her stand goes beyond individual choice, presenting it as a struggle for coming generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my success in attaining a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the sport’s development,” she added.
Next steps
The fighter is not retiring from the sport entirely, however, with her promoters her promotion company stating she intends to seek alternative belt prospects and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on competing in longer duration fights.
