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Chantelle Cameron decided to vacate her world championship belt on this week as an act of defiance against current regulations in the sport for women, calling for the right to fight in longer rounds like male boxers.

Stand against inequality

Her choice to give up her championship belt originates from her clear disagreement with the WBC’s mandate that female fighters compete in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unequal treatment.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “My conviction has always been in fairness and that includes the choice to compete under equal conditions, equal opportunities, and identical regard.”

Context of the belt

Cameron was promoted to world championship status when former champion Taylor was named “Champion in Recess” as she took a break from the sport. The boxing organization was planning to hold a contract bid on Friday for a fight between the champion and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the organization would not authorize her to participate in matches under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with longer duration fights.

Organization’s viewpoint

The WBC president, the president, had stated previously that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis women play fewer sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the welfare of the boxers,” he stated on social media.

Present practice

Most women’s title fights have multiple rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was one of over twenty fighters – including Serrano – who started a movement in last year to have the option to fight under the equivalent conditions as men.

Career statistics

Cameron, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, stated clearly that her protest extends beyond personal preference, presenting it as a battle for coming generations of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my accomplishment in earning a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the sport’s development,” she added.

Future plans

The fighter is not retiring from professional fighting completely, however, with her representatives her promotion company indicating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while persisting in her requirement on competing in longer duration fights.