The fighter Cameron relinquishes WBC championship in demonstration against rules for women boxers
The super-lightweight champion chose to relinquish her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as a form of protest against current regulations in female boxing, calling for the right to battle in longer rounds matching male counterparts.
Protest against inequality
Her choice to give up her world title originates from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women boxers participate in reduced rounds, which the experienced fighter considers gender disparity.
“The sport for women has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “My conviction has always been in fairness and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, identical prospects, and the same recognition.”
History of the championship
Cameron was promoted to world championship status when Katie Taylor was designated “temporary champion” as she took a break from the sport. The WBC was preparing for a financial bid on that day for a match between Cameron and fellow British boxer the challenger.
Prior instance
In the end of last year, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her belt after the governing body refused to allow her to compete in fights under the equivalent rules as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
Council’s stance
The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had stated earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction 12 three-minute rounds in women’s boxing. “In tennis female players compete 3 sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are less physical sports. We prioritize the welfare of the fighters,” he wrote on his platform.
Present practice
Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of two minutes each each, and the British boxer was among numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who started a movement in last year to have the right to compete under the same rules as male boxers.
Fighting history
The boxer, who holds a impressive fight record, emphasized that her protest is more than individual choice, presenting it as a battle for coming generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my achievement in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the future of the sport,” she continued.
Next steps
The fighter is not stepping away from professional fighting entirely, however, with her management team her team stating she aims to chase alternative belt prospects and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on fighting in longer duration fights.
