British boxer Cameron relinquishes WBC championship in demonstration against rules for women boxers
The British fighter chose to relinquish her WBC super-lightweight title on this week as an act of defiance against existing rules in the sport for women, insisting on the option to compete in longer rounds matching male counterparts.
Demonstration against unequal treatment
The boxer’s move to vacate her title comes from her strong opposition with the World Boxing Council’s rule that female fighters compete in shorter rounds, which the veteran boxer views as gender disparity.
“Female boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” Cameron stated. “I’ve always believed in equality and that includes the right to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities, and equal respect.”
History of the belt
The fighter was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when the previous title holder was categorized “inactive champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The WBC was preparing for a purse bid on that day for a bout between the champion and other UK fighter the challenger.
Prior instance
In the end of last year, Amanda Serrano also relinquished her championship after the governing body refused to allow her to participate in bouts under the same rule-set as male boxing, with longer duration fights.
Council’s stance
The organization’s leader, the president, had mentioned before that they would not sanction extended rounds in women’s bouts. “In tennis they play three sets, regarding basketball the hoop is lower and the ball is smaller and those are less physical sports. We stand by the safety and wellbeing of the boxers,” he commented on his platform.
Current standard
The majority of female championship bouts have ten rounds of shorter duration each, and Cameron was one of numerous athletes – such as Serrano – who initiated an effort in recently to have the choice to participate under the equivalent conditions as men.
Fighting history
The athlete, who maintains a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her stand is more than personal preference, describing it as a battle for coming generations of female boxers. “It’s an honor of my achievement in earning a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.
Coming actions
Cameron is not leaving from the sport completely, however, with her promoters her promotion company stating she plans to pursue other championship opportunities and marquee bouts while persisting in her requirement on fighting in longer duration fights.
