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The super-lightweight champion voluntarily gave up her prestigious boxing title on Friday as a form of protest against the status quo in the sport for women, insisting on the right to compete in extended rounds matching men fighters.

Protest against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to give up her championship belt comes from her clear disagreement with the boxing governing body’s requirement that female fighters fight in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old regards as unfair standards.

“Female boxing has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “My conviction has always been in equality and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”

Background of the championship

Cameron was upgraded to world championship status when the previous title holder was categorized “temporary champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The WBC was planning to hold a contract bid on recently for a match between Cameron and other UK fighter Sandy Ryan.

Previous precedent

In late 2023, Amanda Serrano similarly gave up her championship after the organization would not authorize her to participate in matches under the equivalent rules as fighters’ boxing, with longer duration fights.

Council’s stance

The organization’s leader, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared before that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis they play three sets, for basketball the basket is shorter and the ball is smaller and those are non-contact activities. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he wrote on X.

Present practice

Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was among more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who started a movement in last year to have the right to fight under the same rules as men fighters.

Fighting history

The athlete, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, emphasized that her demonstration goes beyond individual choice, presenting it as a battle for coming generations of women fighters. “I feel proud of my achievement in becoming a title holder, but it’s moment to make a statement for equality and for the sport’s development,” she added.

Coming actions

Cameron is not retiring from the sport entirely, however, with her management team MVP stating she plans to pursue different title chances and prestigious matches while persisting in her requirement on participating in longer duration fights.