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The British fighter voluntarily gave up her prestigious boxing title on recently as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in female boxing, demanding the option to fight in three-minute rounds like male counterparts.

Stand against unequal treatment

Her choice to give up her championship belt comes from her firm stance with the World Boxing Council’s requirement that women boxers fight in reduced rounds, which the veteran boxer regards as unfair standards.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the option to compete under equal conditions, identical prospects, and equal respect.”

Context of the title

Cameron was upgraded to title holder when former champion Taylor was named “inactive champion” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The WBC was set to have a financial bid on Friday for a fight between Cameron and compatriot Sandy Ryan.

Earlier case

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

WBC’s position

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had mentioned previously that they would not sanction 12 three-minute rounds in women’s bouts. “Regarding tennis women play 3 sets, regarding basketball the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are less physical sports. We prioritize the welfare of the boxers,” he commented on his platform.

Existing norm

Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of shorter duration each, and the British boxer was one of over twenty fighters – like Serrano – who initiated an effort in 2023 to have the right to compete under the identical regulations as men fighters.

Professional record

The boxer, who holds a impressive fight record, made clear that her stand extends beyond her own wishes, describing it as a struggle for future generations of female athletes. “I’m proud of my achievement in earning a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.

Next steps

The athlete is not leaving from professional fighting completely, however, with her representatives her team indicating she plans to pursue other championship opportunities and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on competing in three-minute rounds.