🔗 Share this article

Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on recently as a form of protest against the status quo in the sport for women, insisting on the right to compete in extended rounds like male counterparts.

Stand against disparity

The boxer’s move to give up her title comes from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s mandate that female fighters participate in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unfair standards.

“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” the boxer declared. “I’ve always believed in equal treatment and that includes the option to compete under equal conditions, equal opportunities, and equal respect.”

Background of the title

The fighter was upgraded to world championship status when Katie Taylor was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she took a break from boxing. The World Boxing Council was set to have a contract bid on that day for a fight between the champion and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.

Earlier case

In late 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her WBC title after the governing body would not authorize her to participate in matches under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.

Council’s stance

The council head, the president, had mentioned earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize extended rounds in women’s boxing. “In tennis they play three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are non-contact activities. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the athletes,” he wrote on X.

Current standard

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 choice to compete under the equivalent conditions as male boxers.

Career statistics

The boxer, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her stand goes beyond individual choice, framing it as a fight for future generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my success in earning a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for what’s right and for the sport’s development,” she continued.

Next steps

The athlete is not stepping away from professional fighting altogether, however, with her representatives MVP stating she intends to seek other championship opportunities and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on fighting in extended rounds.