British boxer Cameron gives up WBC championship in demonstration against rules for women boxers
The British fighter chose to relinquish her prestigious boxing title on recently as a form of protest against current regulations in female boxing, insisting on the right to fight in extended rounds matching male counterparts.
Demonstration against unequal treatment
Cameron’s decision to give up her title originates from her firm stance with the boxing governing body’s requirement that women boxers fight in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old regards as gender disparity.
“The sport for women has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in equal treatment and that includes the option to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and identical regard.”
Background of the title
Cameron was upgraded to title holder when Katie Taylor was designated “Champion in Recess” as she stepped away from professional fighting. The WBC was planning to hold a contract bid on recently for a match between the champion and other UK fighter her potential opponent.
Previous precedent
In the end of last year, fellow boxer Serrano similarly gave up her championship after the council refused to allow her to compete in bouts under the same rule-set as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.
WBC’s position
The organization’s leader, the president, had mentioned before that they would not approve extended rounds in female matches. “In tennis female players compete 3 sets, in basketball the hoop is lower and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the health and protection of the boxers,” he wrote on social media.
Current standard
Most women’s title fights have ten rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was part of over twenty fighters – like Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the option to fight under the same rules as men.
Fighting history
The athlete, who boasts a impressive fight record, stated clearly that her stand goes beyond personal preference, framing it as a struggle for coming generations of female athletes. “It’s an honor of my achievement in attaining a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for justice and for the future of the sport,” she concluded.
Next steps
The athlete is not retiring from professional fighting completely, however, with her representatives her team indicating she plans to pursue different title chances and high-profile fights while persisting in her requirement on fighting in three-minute rounds.
