🔗 Share this article

Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on this week as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in the sport for women, demanding the option to compete in three-minute rounds like male boxers.

Demonstration against disparity

The boxer’s move to relinquish her championship belt originates from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s mandate that female fighters fight in two-minute rounds, which the veteran boxer views as gender disparity.

“Women’s boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, the same chances, and identical regard.”

Context of the belt

Cameron was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The WBC was preparing for a financial bid on that day for a match between Cameron and compatriot her potential opponent.

Earlier case

In the end of last year, another female fighter also relinquished her championship after the council would not authorize her to fight in fights under the same rule-set as male boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

WBC’s position

The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not authorize longer fights in women’s bouts. “For tennis female players compete 3 sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are less physical sports. We prioritize the health and protection of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.

Current standard

The majority of female championship bouts have ten rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was one of over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who started a movement in 2023 to have the choice to participate under the identical regulations as men.

Professional record

Cameron, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her protest extends beyond personal preference, describing it as a battle for future generations of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my accomplishment in earning a world champion, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the future of the sport,” she continued.

Coming actions

The athlete is not stepping away from the sport entirely, however, with her management team her team saying she plans to pursue alternative belt prospects and prestigious matches while continuing to demand on competing in extended rounds.