🔗 Share this article

The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on this week as an act of defiance against existing rules in women’s boxing, insisting on the option to compete in three-minute rounds similar to male counterparts.

Demonstration against disparity

The boxer’s move to give up her championship belt comes from her clear disagreement with the WBC’s rule that women boxers compete in shorter rounds, which the veteran boxer regards as unequal treatment.

“Women’s boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the right to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”

History of the title

The British boxer was upgraded to title holder when Katie Taylor was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she paused from professional fighting. The World Boxing Council was preparing for a contract bid on that day for a match between Cameron and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In the end of last year, another female fighter also relinquished her championship after the council would not authorize her to participate in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.

Council’s stance

The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis female players compete 3 sets, regarding basketball the hoop is lower and the ball is smaller and those are non-contact activities. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he stated on X.

Existing norm

Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of shorter duration each, and Cameron was part of numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the choice to participate under the equivalent conditions as men.

Career statistics

The boxer, who holds a impressive fight record, made clear that her protest is more than personal preference, describing it as a battle for the next wave of female boxers. “I feel proud of my accomplishment in becoming a world champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the sport’s development,” she added.

Coming actions

The fighter is not retiring from professional fighting altogether, however, with her management team MVP indicating she aims to chase alternative belt prospects and marquee bouts while persisting in her requirement on competing in extended rounds.