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Chantelle Cameron decided to vacate her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as an act of defiance against current regulations in the sport for women, insisting on the right to fight in three-minute rounds similar to male boxers.

Stand against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to vacate her world title originates from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s rule that female fighters participate in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter considers unfair standards.

“Women’s boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the right to have identical rules, identical prospects, and identical regard.”

Context of the championship

The fighter was promoted to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she took a break from boxing. The World Boxing Council was preparing for a financial bid on that day for a bout between the champion and other UK fighter the challenger.

Prior instance

In the end of last year, another female fighter also relinquished her belt after the organization declined to permit her to compete in fights under the same rule-set as fighters’ boxing, with longer duration fights.

Council’s stance

The council head, the president, had mentioned before that they would not authorize extended rounds in female matches. “Regarding tennis female players compete three sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We support the health and protection of the boxers,” he stated on social media.

Current standard

Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and Cameron was part of more than two dozen boxers – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the right to fight under the equivalent conditions as men fighters.

Career statistics

The athlete, who maintains a impressive fight record, emphasized that her protest extends beyond personal preference, presenting it as a battle for the next wave of female athletes. “I feel proud of my success in attaining a title holder, but it’s right to protest for what’s right and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.

Coming actions

The fighter is not retiring from the sport altogether, however, with her promoters MVP indicating she plans to pursue other championship opportunities and marquee bouts while persisting in her requirement on participating in three-minute rounds.