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The British fighter voluntarily gave up her prestigious boxing title on recently as a form of protest against the status quo in women’s boxing, insisting on the right to battle in longer rounds matching male counterparts.

Stand against unequal treatment

Cameron’s decision to relinquish her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s requirement that female fighters compete in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old views as gender disparity.

“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron stated. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the option to fight equal rounds, the same chances, and equal respect.”

Background of the championship

The British boxer was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when Katie Taylor was categorized “inactive champion” as she paused from professional fighting. The boxing organization was set to have a financial bid on that day for a match between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In late 2023, fellow boxer Serrano similarly gave up her championship after the organization refused to allow her to participate in fights under the identical regulations as fighters’ boxing, with extended rounds.

Council’s stance

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared earlier in 2023 that they would not approve longer fights in female matches. “For tennis they play three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he wrote on his platform.

Present practice

Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was among more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in recently to have the right to compete under the identical regulations as men fighters.

Professional record

The boxer, who holds a strong career statistics, stated clearly that her demonstration goes beyond personal preference, presenting it as a fight for coming generations of female boxers. “I’m proud of my success in attaining a world champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for equality and for the boxing’s progression,” she continued.

Next steps

Cameron is not retiring from boxing entirely, however, with her promoters her team saying she aims to chase other championship opportunities and marquee bouts while continuing to demand on participating in extended rounds.