British boxer Cameron relinquishes World Boxing Council championship in demonstration against rules for women boxers
The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her prestigious boxing title on Friday as a form of protest against existing rules in women’s boxing, demanding the right to battle in three-minute rounds like men fighters.
Demonstration against unequal treatment
Cameron’s decision to give up her title originates from her strong opposition with the boxing governing body’s rule that women boxers fight in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter considers gender disparity.
“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” the boxer declared. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the option to have identical rules, identical prospects, and equal respect.”
History of the belt
Cameron was upgraded to world championship status when the previous title holder was designated “inactive champion” as she paused from boxing. The WBC was planning to hold a contract bid on recently for a match between the champion and compatriot her potential opponent.
Earlier case
In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the organization would not authorize her to compete in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The WBC president, Sulaimán, had mentioned earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize longer fights in female matches. “Regarding tennis female players compete three sets, regarding basketball the hoop is lower and the size is reduced and those are non-contact activities. We support the welfare of the boxers,” he wrote on X.
Current standard
Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was part of more than two dozen boxers – like Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the right to participate under the same rules as men.
Fighting history
The boxer, who holds a impressive fight record, made clear that her protest is more than her own wishes, framing it as a battle for coming generations of female athletes. “I’m proud of my achievement in becoming a world champion, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.
Coming actions
The fighter is not leaving from boxing completely, however, with her management team MVP indicating she intends to seek other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on participating in extended rounds.
