British boxer Cameron vacates World Boxing Council belt in demonstration against rules for women boxers
The super-lightweight champion chose to relinquish her prestigious boxing title on recently as a symbolic gesture against current regulations in women’s boxing, demanding the right to compete in extended rounds like men fighters.
Protest against inequality
Her choice to relinquish her championship belt stems from her clear disagreement with the WBC’s mandate that women boxers participate in reduced rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unequal treatment.
“Female boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still room for improvement,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in equality and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and equal respect.”
Background of the belt
Cameron was upgraded to world championship status when Katie Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The World Boxing Council was set to have a contract bid on recently for a bout between Cameron and other UK fighter the challenger.
Earlier case
In late 2023, Amanda Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the governing body refused to allow her to participate in matches under the identical regulations as male boxing, with extended rounds.
WBC’s position
The WBC president, Sulaimán, had declared previously that they would not authorize longer fights in women’s boxing. “For tennis female players compete fewer sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the ball is smaller and those are non-contact activities. We support the welfare of the athletes,” he stated on his platform.
Existing norm
Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was one of more than two dozen boxers – like Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the right to participate under the identical regulations as male boxers.
Fighting history
Cameron, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her demonstration is more than personal preference, describing it as a fight for future generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my accomplishment in attaining a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the future of the sport,” she added.
Coming actions
The athlete is not leaving from professional fighting altogether, however, with her management team MVP indicating she plans to pursue different title chances and high-profile fights while continuing to demand on fighting in three-minute rounds.
