🔗 Share this article Chantelle Cameron vacates World Boxing Council belt in protest against rules for women boxers The super-lightweight champion chose to relinquish her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as an act of defiance against existing rules in the sport for women, insisting on the right to battle in extended rounds similar to male counterparts. Stand against disparity Cameron’s decision to vacate her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the World Boxing Council’s mandate that female fighters compete in reduced rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unfair standards. “Female boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the option to compete under equal conditions, equal opportunities, and equal respect.” Context of the belt Cameron was promoted to world championship status when the previous title holder was designated “inactive champion” as she took a break from the sport. The WBC was set to have a contract bid on that day for a bout between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan. Prior instance In December 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her championship after the organization would not authorize her to fight in fights under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with extended rounds. WBC’s position The council head, Sulaimán, had mentioned previously that they would not authorize 12 three-minute rounds in women’s boxing. “In tennis they play three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are non-contact activities. We stand by the health and protection of the boxers,” he wrote on social media. Present practice Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was part of numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who launched a campaign in last year to have the option to participate under the identical regulations as male boxers. Career statistics The boxer, who boasts a strong career statistics, emphasized that her stand goes beyond her own wishes, framing it as a fight for the next wave of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my achievement in earning a world champion, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the boxing’s progression,” she added. Next steps The fighter is not stepping away from professional fighting completely, however, with her representatives her team saying she aims to chase other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on competing in longer duration fights.