British boxer Cameron gives up World Boxing Council championship in protest against female boxing regulations
The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on Friday as an act of defiance against existing rules in female boxing, calling for the opportunity to compete in longer rounds similar to male boxers.
Protest against unequal treatment
The boxer’s move to give up her title comes from her clear disagreement with the World Boxing Council’s mandate that female fighters fight in two-minute rounds, which the veteran boxer views as unequal treatment.
“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still work to be done,” the boxer declared. “I’ve always believed in equal treatment and that includes the right to have identical rules, the same chances, and the same recognition.”
Context of the championship
The British boxer was elevated to title holder when the previous title holder was designated “temporary champion” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a financial bid on Friday for a fight between Cameron and compatriot the challenger.
Previous precedent
In the end of last year, another female fighter likewise vacated her belt after the organization refused to allow her to participate in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with extended rounds.
WBC’s position
The council head, Sulaimán, had stated previously that they would not sanction extended rounds in female matches. “Regarding tennis women play fewer sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are less physical sports. We stand by the health and protection of the fighters,” he wrote on social media.
Current standard
Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and Cameron was part of numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who launched a campaign in recently to have the choice to participate under the same rules as men.
Career statistics
The athlete, who maintains a impressive fight record, made clear that her stand is more than personal preference, presenting it as a struggle for coming generations of female athletes. “I feel proud of my success in earning a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for what’s right and for the sport’s development,” she added.
Coming actions
The athlete is not retiring from the sport altogether, however, with her promoters her promotion company stating she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while persisting in her requirement on competing in extended rounds.
