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The British fighter voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as a symbolic gesture against existing rules in the sport for women, insisting on the option to compete in longer rounds like male counterparts.

Demonstration against inequality

Cameron’s decision to give up her championship belt originates from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s rule that women participate in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old views as gender disparity.

“Female boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in equality and that includes the right to have identical rules, the same chances, and the same recognition.”

Context of the championship

The fighter was promoted to world championship status when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she took a break from the sport. The boxing organization was planning to hold a financial bid on that day for a bout between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Earlier case

In late 2023, another female fighter similarly gave up her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to compete in fights under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with longer duration fights.

WBC’s position

The WBC president, Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not approve longer fights in female matches. “Regarding tennis they play 3 sets, regarding basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We support the welfare of the athletes,” he stated on X.

Existing norm

Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of reduced time each, and the British boxer was one of more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the option to participate under the same rules as male boxers.

Career statistics

Cameron, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, stated clearly that her stand is more than her own wishes, describing it as a fight for coming generations of women fighters. “I’m proud of my accomplishment in attaining a title holder, but it’s right to protest for what’s right and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.

Future plans

The athlete is not stepping away from the sport entirely, however, with her management team her team saying she intends to seek alternative belt prospects and marquee bouts while persisting in her requirement on competing in extended rounds.