British boxer Cameron vacates World Boxing Council belt in protest against rules for women boxers
Chantelle Cameron decided to vacate her world championship belt on recently as a form of protest against current regulations in women’s boxing, calling for the opportunity to fight in longer rounds similar to male boxers.
Stand against disparity
The boxer’s move to vacate her championship belt stems from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s requirement that women compete in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old considers gender disparity.
“Women’s boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I firmly believe in equality and that includes the right to have identical rules, the same chances, and identical regard.”
Background of the championship
The British boxer was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a financial bid on that day for a fight between Cameron and other UK fighter her potential opponent.
Previous precedent
In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the council refused to allow her to participate in bouts under the equivalent rules as men’s boxing, with extended rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The council head, the president, had mentioned before that they would not approve extended rounds in women’s boxing. “For tennis female players compete three sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are less physical sports. We stand by the welfare of the athletes,” he commented on social media.
Existing norm
Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was one of numerous athletes – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the choice to compete under the identical regulations as male boxers.
Professional record
The boxer, who boasts a impressive fight record, made clear that her stand goes beyond her own wishes, describing it as a fight for future generations of female athletes. “It’s an honor of my achievement in earning a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the future of the sport,” she added.
Future plans
The fighter is not retiring from professional fighting altogether, however, with her promoters her promotion company stating she aims to chase different title chances and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on competing in extended rounds.
