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The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on this week as a symbolic gesture against the status quo in women’s boxing, insisting on the opportunity to battle in three-minute rounds similar to men fighters.

Stand against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to relinquish her world title originates from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s requirement that female fighters compete in reduced rounds, which the veteran boxer views as gender disparity.

“The sport for women 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 fight equal rounds, the same chances, and equal respect.”

Context of the title

Cameron was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was named “temporary champion” as she stepped away from the sport. The WBC was set to have a financial bid on recently for a fight between the champion and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In the end of last year, Amanda Serrano also relinquished her championship after the organization declined to permit her to participate in bouts under the same rule-set as fighters’ boxing, with longer duration fights.

WBC’s position

The WBC president, Sulaimán, had declared earlier in 2023 that they would not authorize longer fights in women’s boxing. “For tennis female players compete three sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the size is reduced and those are non-contact activities. We support the health and protection of the fighters,” he stated on social media.

Existing norm

Typically women’s championship matches have ten rounds of two minutes each each, and the British boxer was part of numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the right to fight under the identical regulations as men fighters.

Career statistics

The boxer, who holds a impressive fight record, stated clearly that her protest is more than her own wishes, describing it as a struggle for coming generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my success in earning a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for justice and for the boxing’s progression,” she concluded.

Next steps

The fighter is not retiring from the sport completely, however, with her promoters MVP stating she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on fighting in extended rounds.