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The British fighter chose to relinquish her prestigious boxing title on Friday as an act of defiance against the status quo in the sport for women, insisting on the option to battle in longer rounds similar to male counterparts.

Stand against unequal treatment

Her choice to give up her championship belt comes from her strong opposition with the WBC’s mandate that women participate in reduced rounds, which the veteran boxer considers gender disparity.

“Women’s boxing has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the right to compete under equal conditions, the same chances, and identical regard.”

Background of the championship

The British boxer was upgraded to world championship status when Katie Taylor was named “Champion in Recess” as she paused from boxing. The WBC was set to have a purse bid on that day for a match between the champion and compatriot her potential opponent.

Previous precedent

In the end of last year, fellow boxer Serrano similarly gave up her belt after the governing body declined to permit her to compete in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with extended rounds.

WBC’s position

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned previously that they would not authorize 12 three-minute rounds in women’s boxing. “In tennis they play three sets, in basketball the rim is reduced and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he commented on social media.

Current standard

Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of reduced time each, and the British boxer was part of over twenty fighters – such as Serrano – who started a movement in recently to have the right to fight under the same rules as male boxers.

Career statistics

Cameron, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her demonstration is more than personal preference, describing it as a fight for the next wave of female athletes. “I’m proud of my success in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the future of the sport,” she added.

Coming actions

The fighter is not stepping away from boxing entirely, however, with her representatives her team stating she plans to pursue alternative belt prospects and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on participating in longer duration fights.