🔗 Share this article

The British fighter chose to relinquish her world championship belt on Friday as a symbolic gesture against existing rules in female boxing, calling for the opportunity to battle in three-minute rounds similar to male boxers.

Demonstration against inequality

Cameron’s decision to relinquish her championship belt comes from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s rule that women compete in shorter rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unfair standards.

“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the right to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and identical regard.”

Background of the belt

The British boxer was upgraded to title holder when Katie Taylor was designated “temporary champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The World Boxing Council was preparing for a financial bid on that day for a bout between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In the end of last year, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her WBC title after the organization refused to allow her to participate in matches under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with extended rounds.

Organization’s viewpoint

The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not approve extended rounds in female matches. “Regarding tennis they play three sets, in basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are non-contact activities. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he stated on X.

Current standard

Most women’s title fights have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was one of over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the right to participate under the same rules as men fighters.

Career statistics

Cameron, who holds a strong career statistics, made clear that her protest extends beyond her own wishes, framing it as a fight for the next wave of women fighters. “I feel proud of my achievement in becoming a world champion, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the future of the sport,” she continued.

Coming actions

The athlete is not stepping away from the sport completely, however, with her management team her promotion company saying she intends to seek other championship opportunities and prestigious matches while persisting in her requirement on competing in three-minute rounds.