🔗 Share this article

Chantelle Cameron decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on Friday as an act of defiance against existing rules in the sport for women, calling for the right to fight in extended rounds matching men fighters.

Protest against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to vacate her championship belt originates from her strong opposition with the boxing governing body’s requirement that female fighters participate in shorter rounds, which the veteran boxer considers unfair standards.

“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “My conviction has always been in equality and that includes the right to have identical rules, identical prospects, and equal respect.”

Background of the championship

The British boxer was elevated to world championship status when the previous title holder was named “inactive champion” as she took a break from boxing. The WBC was planning to hold a contract bid on Friday for a match between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In late 2023, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her championship after the organization refused to allow her to compete in fights under the identical regulations as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.

Council’s stance

The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had stated previously that they would not sanction extended rounds in women’s bouts. “For tennis female players compete fewer sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the health and protection of the boxers,” he commented on social media.

Current standard

Most women’s title fights have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was part of more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who started a movement in last year to have the option to fight under the same rules as men.

Career statistics

The athlete, who holds a impressive fight record, made clear that her protest goes beyond individual choice, presenting it as a fight for future generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my success in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the boxing’s progression,” she continued.

Coming actions

The fighter is not retiring from boxing completely, however, with her management team her promotion company indicating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while continuing to demand on competing in longer duration fights.