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Chantelle Cameron decided to vacate her world championship belt on this week as an act of defiance against current regulations in the sport for women, demanding the right to fight in three-minute rounds matching male boxers.

Demonstration against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to give up her championship belt comes from her clear disagreement with the World Boxing Council’s rule that women participate in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old regards as unequal treatment.

“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in equal treatment and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, the same chances, and the same recognition.”

History of the belt

The fighter was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was named “Champion in Recess” as she took a break from professional fighting. The boxing organization was set to have a contract bid on Friday for a fight between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Earlier case

In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the council declined to permit her to compete in bouts under the same rule-set as male boxing, with extended rounds.

Organization’s viewpoint

The WBC president, Sulaimán, had declared before that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis they play fewer sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are non-contact activities. We prioritize the health and protection of the fighters,” he wrote on X.

Existing norm

The majority of female championship bouts have 10 rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was among over twenty fighters – like Serrano – who started a movement in recently to have the option to participate under the identical regulations as male boxers.

Professional record

The boxer, who maintains a impressive fight record, emphasized that her protest goes beyond personal preference, framing it as a struggle for future generations of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my success in becoming a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.

Future plans

The athlete is not leaving from the sport altogether, however, with her promoters MVP indicating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and high-profile fights while persisting in her requirement on participating in three-minute rounds.