Chantelle Cameron vacates WBC title in protest against women’s boxing rules
The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as an act of defiance against existing rules in female boxing, calling for the option to compete in longer rounds like male boxers.
Protest against disparity
The boxer’s move to give up her championship belt stems from her clear disagreement with the World Boxing Council’s rule that female fighters compete in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unfair standards.
“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” the boxer declared. “I’ve always believed in equal treatment and that includes the option to have identical rules, the same chances, and the same recognition.”
History of the championship
Cameron was elevated to title holder when the previous title holder was designated “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from boxing. The WBC was preparing for a purse bid on that day for a bout between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan.
Earlier case
In the end of last year, another female fighter also relinquished her belt after the governing body declined to permit her to participate in bouts under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Council’s stance
The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not authorize longer fights in female matches. “In tennis women play 3 sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We support the health and protection of the athletes,” he wrote on social media.
Present practice
Most women’s title fights have multiple rounds of two minutes each each, and the fighter was among over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who launched a campaign in last year to have the choice to compete under the identical regulations as men.
Career statistics
The boxer, who maintains a impressive fight record, emphasized that her stand goes beyond her own wishes, presenting it as a fight for coming generations of women fighters. “I feel proud of my achievement in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.
Next steps
Cameron is not leaving from professional fighting altogether, however, with her management team MVP saying she plans to pursue different title chances and marquee bouts while persisting in her requirement on fighting in three-minute rounds.
