Chantelle Cameron vacates World Boxing Council title in stand against female boxing regulations
The British fighter decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on Friday as an act of defiance against current regulations in female boxing, calling for the option to battle in three-minute rounds matching men fighters.
Demonstration against disparity
Her choice to relinquish her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s requirement that women participate in reduced rounds, which the veteran boxer regards as unequal treatment.
“Women’s boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in fairness and that includes the right to have identical rules, identical prospects, and identical regard.”
Context of the belt
The fighter was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a financial bid on Friday for a match between Cameron and other UK fighter her potential opponent.
Earlier case
In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the governing body refused to allow her to compete in fights under the identical regulations as male boxing, with longer duration fights.
WBC’s position
The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared previously that they would not sanction extended rounds in female matches. “For tennis female players compete 3 sets, regarding basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he commented on social media.
Present practice
Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was among over twenty fighters – like Serrano – who started a movement in 2023 to have the right to fight under the same rules as men.
Fighting history
The boxer, who holds a strong career statistics, stated clearly that her protest is more than her own wishes, presenting it as a fight for the next wave of female boxers. “I’m proud of my success in attaining a title holder, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the future of the sport,” she concluded.
Next steps
The fighter is not retiring from the sport entirely, however, with her representatives her team indicating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and marquee bouts while continuing to demand on fighting in longer duration fights.
