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Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on this week as an act of defiance against existing rules in women’s boxing, demanding the right to battle in longer rounds matching male boxers.

Protest against unequal treatment

Cameron’s decision to give up her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women fight in two-minute rounds, which the veteran boxer regards as gender disparity.

“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the choice to compete under equal conditions, the same chances, and equal respect.”

History of the belt

The fighter was promoted to world championship status when Katie Taylor was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a purse bid on recently for a match between the champion and other UK fighter the challenger.

Earlier case

In late 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her championship after the governing body would not authorize her to participate in bouts under the identical regulations as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Organization’s viewpoint

The council head, Sulaimán, had stated before that they would not authorize 12 three-minute rounds in female matches. “For tennis female players compete three sets, regarding basketball the rim is reduced and the ball is smaller and those are non-contact activities. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he stated on his platform.

Present practice

Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was part of over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the option to participate under the equivalent conditions as men fighters.

Professional record

The athlete, who holds a strong career statistics, emphasized that her protest is more than personal preference, presenting it as a struggle for coming generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my success in attaining a world champion, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the boxing’s progression,” she continued.

Future plans

The fighter is not leaving from professional fighting completely, however, with her promoters MVP stating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on fighting in longer duration fights.