🔗 Share this article Chantelle Cameron relinquishes WBC championship in protest against women’s boxing rules The British fighter voluntarily gave up her prestigious boxing title on Friday as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in the sport for women, demanding the opportunity to battle in longer rounds like male boxers. Stand against disparity The boxer’s move to relinquish her championship belt stems from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s mandate that women fight in shorter rounds, which the veteran boxer regards as unfair standards. “Female boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still work to be done,” she announced. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the choice to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and equal respect.” History of the title The fighter was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was designated “inactive champion” as she paused from the sport. The boxing organization was preparing for a purse bid on that day for a fight between Cameron and other UK fighter the challenger. Previous precedent In late 2023, Amanda Serrano likewise vacated her championship after the governing body declined to permit her to compete in matches under the same rule-set as male boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds. Council’s stance The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned previously that they would not authorize extended rounds in female matches. “For tennis they play fewer sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the ball is smaller and those are less physical sports. We stand by the welfare of the athletes,” he commented on X. Existing norm The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was one of over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who started a movement in last year to have the option to compete under the identical regulations as male boxers. Fighting history Cameron, who boasts a strong career statistics, made clear that her demonstration is more than personal preference, describing it as a fight for future generations of women fighters. “I feel proud of my achievement in attaining a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the boxing’s progression,” she concluded. Next steps Cameron is not retiring from the sport completely, however, with her promoters her team saying she aims to chase alternative belt prospects and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on participating in three-minute rounds.