🔗 Share this article Chantelle Cameron relinquishes World Boxing Council belt in protest against female boxing regulations The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on this week as an act of defiance against current regulations in the sport for women, calling for the opportunity to fight in three-minute rounds matching male counterparts. Protest against unequal treatment The boxer’s move to vacate her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the World Boxing Council’s mandate that female fighters participate in two-minute rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unfair standards. “The sport for women has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” Cameron stated. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the option to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.” Context of the title The fighter was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was named “temporary champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The boxing organization was planning to hold a contract bid on that day for a fight between Cameron and other UK fighter the challenger. Previous precedent In the end of last year, another female fighter also relinquished her championship after the council declined to permit her to participate in bouts under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with extended rounds. WBC’s position The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared previously that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis they play 3 sets, regarding basketball the hoop is lower and the ball is smaller and those are less physical sports. We support the health and protection of the fighters,” he stated on social media. Existing norm Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and Cameron was one of more than two dozen boxers – like Serrano – who initiated an effort in last year to have the right to fight under the equivalent conditions as men fighters. Career statistics Cameron, who holds a impressive fight record, stated clearly that her demonstration is more than personal preference, framing it as a battle for the next wave of female athletes. “I’m proud of my accomplishment in becoming a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the sport’s development,” she added. Next steps The fighter is not leaving from boxing completely, however, with her promoters her team saying she aims to chase other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while continuing to demand on fighting in extended rounds.