🔗 Share this article

The British fighter decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on Friday as a symbolic gesture against current regulations in the sport for women, calling for the right to fight in three-minute rounds similar to male counterparts.

Demonstration against unequal treatment

Cameron’s decision to relinquish her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s rule that female fighters fight in reduced rounds, which the experienced fighter regards as gender disparity.

“Female boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still work to be done,” she announced. “I’ve always believed in equality and that includes the option to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and the same recognition.”

History of the championship

The fighter was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was designated “temporary champion” as she paused from the sport. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a contract bid on recently for a fight between the champion and other UK fighter the challenger.

Previous precedent

In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano likewise vacated her belt after the organization would not authorize her to participate in bouts under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with extended rounds.

Council’s stance

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not sanction extended rounds in female matches. “In tennis female players compete three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he stated on his platform.

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 2023 to have the right to compete under the equivalent conditions as men fighters.

Fighting history

The athlete, who boasts a strong career statistics, emphasized that her demonstration goes beyond personal preference, framing it as a struggle for the next wave of female athletes. “I feel proud of my success in earning a world champion, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the future of the sport,” she added.

Future plans

The athlete is not retiring from the sport altogether, however, with her management team her promotion company stating she intends to seek different title chances and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on competing in three-minute rounds.