Chantelle Cameron relinquishes World Boxing Council championship in stand against women’s boxing rules
The British fighter decided to vacate her world championship belt on recently as a form of protest against current regulations in female boxing, insisting on the option to compete in three-minute rounds matching men fighters.
Protest against unequal treatment
The boxer’s move to relinquish her championship belt comes from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women fight in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter considers unequal treatment.
“Women’s boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, the same chances, and the same recognition.”
Background of the title
The British boxer was promoted to world championship status when Katie Taylor was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The boxing organization was preparing for a purse bid on recently for a fight between Cameron and compatriot Sandy Ryan.
Prior instance
In December 2023, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her belt after the council would not authorize her to compete in bouts under the equivalent rules as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Council’s stance
The WBC president, the president, had stated before that they would not approve longer fights in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis they play three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We stand by the health and protection of the athletes,” he stated on his platform.
Present practice
Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of shorter duration each, and Cameron was among more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who started a movement in 2023 to have the right to compete under the same rules as men fighters.
Career statistics
Cameron, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her protest is more than her own wishes, presenting it as a fight for future generations of women fighters. “I feel proud of my accomplishment in becoming a title holder, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the future of the sport,” she continued.
Future plans
The fighter is not stepping away from the sport completely, however, with her promoters her promotion company indicating she plans to pursue different title chances and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on participating in longer duration fights.
