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The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on Friday as a form of protest against existing rules in women’s boxing, calling for the option to battle in longer rounds matching male boxers.

Protest against inequality

The boxer’s move to relinquish her title comes from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s requirement that women compete in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old considers gender disparity.

“The sport for women has advanced significantly, but there’s still work to be done,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the choice to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and the same recognition.”

History of the championship

The fighter was upgraded to title holder when former champion Taylor was designated “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The WBC was set to have a purse bid on Friday for a match between Cameron and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In December 2023, another female fighter similarly gave up her belt after the organization declined to permit her to compete in matches under the equivalent rules as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Organization’s viewpoint

The WBC president, Sulaimán, had stated earlier in 2023 that they would not sanction extended rounds in women’s boxing. “For tennis women play three sets, regarding basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the health and protection of the fighters,” he wrote on social media.

Current standard

The majority of female championship bouts have multiple rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was one of numerous athletes – like Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the right to fight under the same rules as men fighters.

Fighting history

Cameron, who holds a impressive fight record, emphasized that her stand goes beyond her own wishes, presenting it as a struggle for future generations of female athletes. “I’m proud of my accomplishment in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the sport’s development,” she added.

Coming actions

Cameron is not retiring from professional fighting entirely, however, with her promoters MVP indicating she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while persisting in her requirement on fighting in extended rounds.