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The super-lightweight champion chose to relinquish her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as a symbolic gesture against existing rules in the sport for women, demanding the right to fight in longer rounds like men fighters.

Protest against disparity

Her choice to vacate her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s mandate that women participate in reduced rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unequal treatment.

“Female boxing has advanced significantly, but there’s still work to be done,” the boxer declared. “My conviction has always been in equality and that includes the option to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and identical regard.”

Background of the championship

The fighter was promoted to title holder when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she took a break from the sport. The WBC was set to have a contract bid on Friday for a match between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In December 2023, fellow boxer Serrano also relinquished her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to participate in matches under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Council’s stance

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize extended rounds in female matches. “In tennis female players compete fewer sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he commented on social media.

Existing norm

Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was part of more than two dozen boxers – like Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the choice to compete under the equivalent conditions as men fighters.

Career statistics

Cameron, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her stand is more than individual choice, describing it as a battle for the next wave of women fighters. “I’m proud of my achievement in earning a world champion, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the sport’s development,” she continued.

Next steps

Cameron is not stepping away from the sport altogether, however, with her promoters MVP indicating she aims to chase other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on competing in three-minute rounds.