British boxer Cameron gives up WBC championship in protest against female boxing regulations
The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on recently as an act of defiance against the status quo in female boxing, demanding the opportunity to battle in three-minute rounds matching men fighters.
Stand against disparity
Cameron’s decision to relinquish her title stems from her firm stance with the WBC’s mandate that female fighters compete in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter views as unequal treatment.
“The sport for women has advanced significantly, but there’s still progress to be made,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and equal respect.”
Background of the championship
Cameron was elevated to world championship status when the previous title holder was named “temporary champion” as she paused from the sport. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a purse bid on Friday for a bout between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan.
Earlier case
In the end of last year, another female fighter similarly gave up her belt after the council declined to permit her to fight in bouts under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Organization’s viewpoint
The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared previously that they would not authorize 12 three-minute rounds in women’s bouts. “For tennis female players compete 3 sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the welfare of the athletes,” he wrote on X.
Present practice
The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of two minutes each each, and the British boxer was part of more than two dozen boxers – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in last year to have the right to participate under the equivalent conditions as male boxers.
Professional record
The boxer, who holds a impressive fight record, emphasized that her stand goes beyond her own wishes, describing it as a battle for the next wave of female athletes. “I’m proud of my success in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the future of the sport,” she concluded.
Next steps
The fighter is not retiring from professional fighting altogether, however, with her management team MVP saying she intends to seek alternative belt prospects and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on fighting in three-minute rounds.
