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Chantelle Cameron chose to relinquish her prestigious boxing title on Friday as an act of defiance against current regulations in women’s boxing, calling for the opportunity to compete in longer rounds matching men fighters.

Demonstration against unequal treatment

Cameron’s decision to vacate her championship belt comes from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s rule that women participate in reduced rounds, which the experienced fighter views as gender disparity.

“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” the boxer declared. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the right to compete under equal conditions, equal opportunities, and identical regard.”

Background of the title

The British boxer was elevated to world championship status when the previous title holder was categorized “inactive champion” as she stepped away from the sport. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a financial bid on recently for a bout between Cameron and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In December 2023, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her championship after the governing body declined to permit her to compete in fights under the identical regulations as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Council’s stance

The WBC president, the president, had mentioned previously that they would not approve extended rounds in women’s bouts. “In tennis they play 3 sets, for basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are non-contact activities. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he commented on X.

Current standard

The majority of female championship bouts have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was part of more than two dozen boxers – like Serrano – who initiated an effort in last year to have the option to compete under the identical regulations as male boxers.

Career statistics

The athlete, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her protest goes beyond personal preference, describing it as a fight for the next wave of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my accomplishment in earning a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the sport’s development,” she continued.

Next steps

The fighter is not stepping away from the sport entirely, however, with her promoters MVP saying she intends to seek different title chances and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on participating in extended rounds.