The fighter Cameron gives up World Boxing Council title in demonstration against women’s boxing rules
The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her world championship belt on Friday as a form of protest against current regulations in women’s boxing, demanding the right to fight in extended rounds similar to male boxers.
Stand against unequal treatment
Cameron’s decision to relinquish her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women participate in two-minute rounds, which the veteran boxer views as unequal treatment.
“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in equal treatment and that includes the choice to have identical rules, the same chances, and the same recognition.”
Background of the championship
Cameron was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was designated “Champion in Recess” as she paused from professional fighting. The boxing organization was planning to hold a contract bid on that day for a fight between the champion and other UK fighter her potential opponent.
Earlier case
In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the council would not authorize her to fight in bouts under the same rule-set as male boxing, with extended rounds.
WBC’s position
The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not authorize extended rounds in female matches. “For tennis they play fewer sets, in basketball the hoop is lower and the size is reduced and those are non-contact activities. We stand by the welfare of the boxers,” he stated on X.
Present practice
The majority of female championship bouts have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and the British boxer was among numerous athletes – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the option to fight under the equivalent conditions as men.
Career statistics
Cameron, who boasts a impressive fight record, stated clearly that her demonstration goes beyond individual choice, framing it as a struggle for coming generations of female athletes. “It’s an honor of my success in becoming a world champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for equality and for the sport’s development,” she added.
Future plans
Cameron is not retiring from the sport entirely, however, with her management team her team indicating she plans to pursue different title chances and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on participating in extended rounds.
