British boxer Cameron gives up WBC belt in stand against women’s boxing rules
The British fighter decided to vacate her world championship belt on this week as a form of protest against the status quo in female boxing, insisting on the right to compete in extended rounds like male counterparts.
Stand against inequality
Her choice to give up her championship belt stems from her strong opposition with the boxing governing body’s requirement that women compete in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unfair standards.
“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement,” Cameron stated. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and the same recognition.”
Background of the belt
The fighter was elevated to title holder when former champion Taylor was categorized “temporary champion” as she paused from the sport. The boxing organization was preparing for a contract bid on that day for a fight between the champion and fellow British boxer the challenger.
Prior instance
In December 2023, another female fighter similarly gave up her WBC title after the council declined to permit her to compete in bouts under the identical regulations as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The organization’s leader, Sulaimán, had declared before that they would not sanction extended rounds in female matches. “In tennis they play fewer sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We support the health and protection of the fighters,” he commented on X.
Present practice
Most women’s title fights have multiple rounds of two minutes each each, and the fighter was among over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the right to compete under the same rules as men fighters.
Fighting history
The athlete, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her stand goes beyond individual choice, describing it as a battle for coming generations of female athletes. “It’s an honor of my achievement in earning a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for equality and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.
Next steps
The athlete is not stepping away from boxing completely, however, with her promoters her team indicating she intends to seek alternative belt prospects and marquee bouts while continuing to demand on fighting in longer duration fights.
