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Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her prestigious boxing title on Friday as a form of protest against the status quo in female boxing, insisting on the option to compete in extended rounds matching male counterparts.

Demonstration against disparity

The boxer’s move to relinquish her championship belt originates from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s mandate that women boxers compete in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old regards as gender disparity.

“The sport for women has advanced significantly, but there’s still room for improvement,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the right to compete under equal conditions, equal opportunities, and equal respect.”

Context of the title

Cameron was upgraded to world championship status when the previous title holder was named “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from the sport. The World Boxing Council was preparing for a purse bid on that day for a fight between Cameron and compatriot her potential opponent.

Earlier case

In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to participate in fights under the same rule-set as male boxing, with extended rounds.

WBC’s position

The organization’s leader, the president, had stated before that they would not approve 12 three-minute rounds in women’s bouts. “In tennis they play three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are less physical sports. We stand by the health and protection of the fighters,” he wrote on X.

Existing norm

Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was among more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in recently to have the right to fight under the same rules as male boxers.

Professional record

Cameron, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, stated clearly that her protest extends beyond her own wishes, describing it as a battle for coming generations of female boxers. “I’m proud of my achievement in becoming a world champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.

Coming actions

The athlete is not retiring from the sport completely, however, with her representatives her team stating she plans to pursue different title chances and prestigious matches while persisting in her requirement on fighting in longer duration fights.