Chantelle Cameron gives up WBC championship in stand against rules for women boxers
The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on this week as a form of protest against the status quo in the sport for women, calling for the option to fight in longer rounds like male boxers.
Protest against inequality
Her choice to vacate her title comes from her firm stance with the WBC’s mandate that women boxers compete in two-minute rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unequal treatment.
“Female boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still room for improvement,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the choice to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and the same recognition.”
Context of the title
The British boxer was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from the sport. The WBC was set to have a contract bid on Friday for a fight between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan.
Prior instance
In December 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to fight in bouts under the identical regulations as fighters’ boxing, with extended rounds.
Council’s stance
The council head, the president, had stated earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction extended rounds in women’s boxing. “For tennis they play fewer sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are non-contact activities. We support the health and protection of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.
Current standard
The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was one of more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in last year to have the right to fight under the same rules as male boxers.
Fighting history
The boxer, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her stand goes beyond her own wishes, presenting it as a battle for future generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my success in attaining a title holder, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.
Coming actions
The athlete is not leaving from boxing completely, however, with her management team MVP stating she plans to pursue alternative belt prospects and high-profile fights while persisting in her requirement on participating in extended rounds.
