British boxer Cameron gives up World Boxing Council championship in demonstration against female boxing regulations
The British fighter voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on Friday as an act of defiance against the status quo in the sport for women, calling for the right to fight in three-minute rounds matching male boxers.
Protest against unequal treatment
Cameron’s decision to relinquish her title stems from her firm stance with the WBC’s mandate that female fighters participate in shorter rounds, which the veteran boxer views as unequal treatment.
“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the option to have identical rules, the same chances, and equal respect.”
History of the championship
Cameron was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was designated “Champion in Recess” as she took a break from the sport. The boxing organization was planning to hold a contract bid on Friday for a match between Cameron and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.
Earlier case
In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano similarly gave up her championship after the council declined to permit her to compete in bouts under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with longer duration fights.
Organization’s viewpoint
The WBC president, Sulaimán, had declared before that they would not sanction longer fights in female matches. “Regarding tennis women play fewer sets, regarding basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are less physical sports. We stand by the welfare of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.
Present practice
The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was among over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in last year to have the option to participate under the same rules as men fighters.
Fighting history
The boxer, who maintains a strong career statistics, made clear that her protest goes beyond her own wishes, framing it as a fight for coming generations of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my success in attaining a world champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for equality and for the future of the sport,” she continued.
Next steps
The fighter is not retiring from the sport altogether, however, with her representatives MVP saying she plans to pursue different title chances and high-profile fights while continuing to demand on competing in longer duration fights.
