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Chantelle Cameron chose to relinquish her world championship belt on this week as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in the sport for women, insisting on the option to fight in three-minute rounds like male counterparts.

Stand against unequal treatment

Cameron’s decision to give up her title comes from her strong opposition with the WBC’s mandate that women boxers participate in reduced rounds, which the veteran boxer views as gender disparity.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” Cameron stated. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the choice to compete under equal conditions, the same chances, and identical regard.”

History of the belt

Cameron was elevated to title holder when Katie Taylor was designated “temporary champion” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The WBC was preparing for a financial bid on recently for a bout between the champion and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.

Earlier case

In December 2023, Amanda Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the organization declined to permit her to compete in bouts under the identical regulations as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.

Organization’s viewpoint

The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not authorize longer fights in female matches. “Regarding tennis female players compete 3 sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We support the health and protection of the athletes,” he commented on his platform.

Existing norm

Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was among over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the option to compete under the equivalent conditions as men.

Fighting history

The athlete, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her demonstration goes beyond personal preference, presenting it as a fight for future generations of female athletes. “It’s an honor of my accomplishment in earning a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for equality and for the sport’s development,” she continued.

Next steps

Cameron is not stepping away from the sport completely, however, with her representatives her team stating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on fighting in extended rounds.