British boxer Cameron gives up WBC belt in protest against female boxing regulations
The super-lightweight champion chose to relinquish her WBC super-lightweight title on Friday as an act of defiance against current regulations in women’s boxing, demanding the opportunity to battle in three-minute rounds matching men fighters.
Protest against unequal treatment
Her choice to relinquish her world title comes from her firm stance with the WBC’s mandate that women boxers compete in two-minute rounds, which the experienced fighter regards as unfair standards.
“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the choice to have identical rules, the same chances, and identical regard.”
History of the belt
The British boxer was promoted to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she paused from boxing. The boxing organization was set to have a financial bid on Friday for a match between the champion and compatriot 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 fights under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with longer duration fights.
Organization’s viewpoint
The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize 12 three-minute rounds in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis women play three sets, in basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are non-contact activities. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he stated on his platform.
Existing norm
Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was among more than two dozen boxers – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the choice to fight under the same rules as men.
Fighting history
The athlete, who holds a impressive fight record, made clear that her stand is more than her own wishes, framing it as a struggle for coming generations of female boxers. “I’m proud of my achievement in earning a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the boxing’s progression,” she continued.
Next steps
The fighter is not retiring from boxing altogether, however, with her promoters MVP indicating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and marquee bouts while continuing to demand on participating in three-minute rounds.
