Chantelle Cameron relinquishes WBC title in stand against women’s boxing rules
The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her WBC super-lightweight title on this week as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in the sport for women, demanding the option to fight in longer rounds similar to male counterparts.
Protest against disparity
Cameron’s decision to give up her title comes from her clear disagreement with the WBC’s requirement that women compete in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old views as gender disparity.
“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the right to have identical rules, identical prospects, and identical regard.”
Background of the championship
The British boxer was upgraded to title holder when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she paused from boxing. The boxing organization was planning to hold a financial bid on Friday for a bout between the champion and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.
Earlier case
In the end of last year, fellow boxer Serrano likewise vacated her WBC title after the governing body declined to permit her to participate in bouts under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with extended rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The WBC president, Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis women play fewer sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the ball is smaller and those are non-contact activities. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the athletes,” he commented on his platform.
Existing norm
Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was part of numerous athletes – including Serrano – who initiated an effort in last year to have the choice to fight under the identical regulations as male boxers.
Career statistics
The athlete, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, stated clearly that her demonstration is more than personal preference, describing it as a battle for future generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my achievement in attaining a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for equality and for the sport’s development,” she added.
Future plans
The fighter is not retiring from professional fighting altogether, however, with her promoters her team indicating she plans to pursue other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while continuing to demand on fighting in extended rounds.
