The fighter Cameron vacates WBC title in demonstration against women’s boxing rules
The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her WBC super-lightweight title on this week as a form of protest against existing rules in female boxing, demanding the right to compete in longer rounds matching men fighters.
Protest against inequality
The boxer’s move to give up her championship belt originates from her firm stance with the WBC’s rule that women boxers compete in two-minute rounds, which the experienced fighter views as gender disparity.
“Female boxing 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 fight equal rounds, the same chances, and equal respect.”
Context of the belt
The British boxer was promoted to world championship status when the previous title holder was named “Champion in Recess” as she paused from the sport. The WBC was set to have a contract bid on that day for a bout between Cameron and fellow British boxer her potential opponent.
Earlier case
In December 2023, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to participate in matches under the identical regulations as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.
WBC’s position
The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not authorize 12 three-minute rounds in women’s bouts. “For tennis female players compete fewer sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We stand by the health and protection of the fighters,” he stated on social media.
Existing norm
Most women’s title fights have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was among numerous athletes – including Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the option to fight under the same rules as male boxers.
Professional record
Cameron, who maintains a strong career statistics, made clear that her stand extends beyond personal preference, presenting it as a battle for future generations of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my accomplishment in attaining a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the boxing’s progression,” she concluded.
Next steps
Cameron is not stepping away from professional fighting altogether, however, with her representatives her promotion company indicating she plans to pursue alternative belt prospects and marquee bouts while continuing to demand on participating in three-minute rounds.
