Chantelle Cameron gives up WBC championship in protest against female boxing regulations

Chantelle Cameron decided to vacate her WBC super-lightweight title on this week as a form of protest against existing rules in female boxing, calling for the option to battle in extended rounds similar to male counterparts.

Stand against unequal treatment

Cameron’s decision to give up her championship belt comes from her strong opposition with the WBC’s requirement that women compete in reduced rounds, which the veteran boxer regards as unequal treatment.

“Women’s boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the right to have identical rules, identical prospects, and identical regard.”

History of the championship

The fighter was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was categorized “inactive champion” as she paused from boxing. The boxing organization was preparing for a purse bid on that day for a match between Cameron and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In the end of last year, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the council would not authorize her to compete in fights under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.

Organization’s viewpoint

The WBC president, Sulaimán, had stated earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis women play 3 sets, in basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the health and protection of the athletes,” he wrote on his platform.

Present practice

Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and the fighter was among more than two dozen boxers – such as Serrano – who started a movement in last year to have the right to compete 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, describing it as a battle for coming generations of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my achievement in attaining a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for equality and for the sport’s development,” she continued.

Future plans

Cameron is not leaving from the sport entirely, however, with her representatives her promotion company stating she intends to seek different title chances and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on competing in extended rounds.