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Chantelle Cameron voluntarily gave up her world championship belt on Friday as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in female boxing, demanding the option to battle in extended rounds like men fighters.

Protest against inequality

The boxer’s move to relinquish her title originates from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s requirement that women boxers compete in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter considers unfair standards.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” she announced. “I firmly believe in equal treatment and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities, and identical regard.”

Background of the belt

The British boxer was elevated to title holder when Katie Taylor was designated “inactive champion” as she took a break from boxing. The World Boxing Council was planning to hold a purse bid on Friday for a bout between the champion and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In late 2023, Amanda Serrano also relinquished her belt after the organization would not authorize her to fight in bouts under the same rule-set as fighters’ boxing, with extended rounds.

Council’s stance

The organization’s leader, Sulaimán, had declared previously that they would not sanction extended rounds in female matches. “For tennis they play 3 sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We support the health and protection of the fighters,” he wrote on his platform.

Existing norm

Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the fighter was among numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the right to participate under the identical regulations as men fighters.

Professional record

The boxer, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her stand extends beyond her own wishes, framing it as a battle for future generations of female athletes. “I feel proud of my achievement in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for equality and for the boxing’s progression,” she added.

Next steps

The fighter is not leaving from the sport completely, however, with her representatives MVP saying she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while continuing to demand on fighting in longer duration fights.