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The super-lightweight champion chose to relinquish her prestigious boxing title on Friday as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in women’s boxing, demanding the right to battle in longer rounds like male counterparts.

Protest against inequality

The boxer’s move to relinquish her world title stems from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s rule that women participate in two-minute rounds, which the experienced fighter views as gender disparity.

“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the choice to fight equal rounds, the same chances, and the same recognition.”

History of the championship

Cameron was promoted to world championship status when former champion Taylor was categorized “Champion in Recess” as she took a break from professional fighting. The WBC was planning to hold a financial bid on Friday for a fight between Cameron and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In late 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her championship after the governing body would not authorize her to participate in fights under the same rule-set as fighters’ boxing, with longer duration fights.

Organization’s viewpoint

The WBC president, the president, had mentioned earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s bouts. “In tennis female players compete 3 sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the fighters,” he stated on his platform.

Present practice

Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was part of numerous athletes – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the option to fight under the same rules as men.

Fighting history

The boxer, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her protest is more than her own wishes, presenting it as a battle for coming generations of women fighters. “I feel proud of my achievement in earning a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for equality and for the sport’s development,” she added.

Future plans

Cameron is not leaving from the sport entirely, however, with her promoters her promotion company saying she intends to seek different title chances and prestigious matches while persisting in her requirement on fighting in extended rounds.