Chantelle Cameron vacates World Boxing Council championship in protest against rules for women boxers
The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as an act of defiance against existing rules in women’s boxing, calling for the opportunity to battle in three-minute rounds like male boxers.
Stand against disparity
Her choice to vacate her world title comes from her clear disagreement with the WBC’s requirement that women boxers participate in two-minute rounds, which the veteran boxer considers unfair standards.
“Women’s boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”
Context of the belt
The fighter was elevated to world championship status when Katie Taylor was named “temporary champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The World Boxing Council was preparing for a purse bid on Friday for a fight between Cameron and fellow British boxer her potential opponent.
Earlier case
In December 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her WBC title after the governing body declined to permit her to fight in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with extended rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared previously that they would not authorize longer fights in female matches. “Regarding tennis women play fewer sets, regarding basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the health and protection of the boxers,” he commented on social media.
Existing norm
Most women’s title fights have 10 rounds of shorter duration each, and Cameron was part of numerous athletes – including Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the option to fight under the equivalent conditions as male boxers.
Professional record
Cameron, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her protest goes beyond her own wishes, describing it as a fight for future generations of female athletes. “I’m proud of my accomplishment in earning a title holder, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the sport’s development,” she continued.
Future plans
Cameron is not stepping away from the sport completely, however, with her promoters her team stating she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while continuing to demand on participating in extended rounds.
