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The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her world championship belt on recently as an act of defiance against existing rules in women’s boxing, demanding the right to fight in extended rounds similar to male counterparts.

Protest against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to vacate her championship belt stems from her strong opposition with the WBC’s mandate that women participate in shorter rounds, which the veteran boxer considers unequal treatment.

“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still work to be done,” the boxer declared. “I’ve always believed in equal treatment and that includes the right to compete under equal conditions, the same chances, and equal respect.”

Context of the title

The fighter was promoted to world championship status when Katie Taylor was named “temporary champion” as she stepped away from the sport. The WBC was set to have a financial bid on Friday for a match between the champion and fellow British boxer the challenger.

Earlier case

In December 2023, another female fighter similarly gave up her belt after the council declined to permit her to fight in matches under the identical regulations as male boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Organization’s viewpoint

The organization’s leader, Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not sanction longer fights in women’s boxing. “For tennis female players compete fewer sets, in basketball the rim is reduced and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the health and protection of the athletes,” he wrote on his platform.

Existing norm

Most women’s title fights have multiple rounds of two minutes each each, and the fighter was one of over twenty fighters – like Serrano – who launched a campaign in 2023 to have the right to fight under the equivalent conditions as male boxers.

Career statistics

Cameron, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her protest is more than her own wishes, describing it as a fight for future generations of women fighters. “I feel proud of my accomplishment in earning a WBC champion, but it’s moment to make a statement for what’s right and for the boxing’s progression,” she concluded.

Next steps

The fighter is not stepping away from professional fighting altogether, however, with her representatives MVP saying she intends to seek different title chances and high-profile fights while maintaining her insistence on fighting in longer duration fights.