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Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as a symbolic gesture against existing rules in female boxing, demanding the option to compete in longer rounds similar to male counterparts.

Protest against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to give up her title stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s rule that women boxers participate in shorter rounds, which the 34-year-old regards as unequal treatment.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the option to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and equal respect.”

Background of the championship

Cameron was promoted to title holder when Katie Taylor was named “temporary champion” as she paused from boxing. The boxing organization was planning to hold a purse bid on recently for a bout between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In the end of last year, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the governing body refused to allow her to fight in matches under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with extended rounds.

Council’s stance

The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s bouts. “For tennis women play three sets, regarding basketball the hoop is lower and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the athletes,” he wrote on his platform.

Existing norm

Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and the fighter was among numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the right to fight under the same rules as men.

Fighting history

The boxer, who maintains a impressive fight record, emphasized that her demonstration is more than her own wishes, presenting it as a fight for future generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my success in earning a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the future of the sport,” she added.

Coming actions

The fighter is not retiring from the sport completely, however, with her promoters MVP stating she plans to pursue other championship opportunities and marquee bouts while persisting in her requirement on competing in three-minute rounds.