British boxing star ChantelAle Cameron has made headlines by voluntarily relinquishing her World Boxing Council (WBC) super-lightweight world title as a protest against ongoing gender-based inequality in the sport. The Northampton-born boxer, who holds a professional record of 21 wins and 1 loss, declared the move ahead of a scheduled purse bid for a fight against fellow Brit Sandy Ryan.
In her statement, Cameron emphasised that the sport has “come a long way, but there is still progress to be made”, adding that her decision is rooted in a commitment to equal rounds, equal opportunity, and equal respect for female boxers. “I’ve always believed in equality and that includes the choice to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities and equal respect,” she said.
A major point of contention is the WBC’s rule which mandates female title fights consist of two-minute rounds, whereas male boxers compete under three-minute rounds. Cameron and more than two dozen female fighters have campaigned for the right to fight under the same rule-set as men, including up to 12 three-minute rounds.
The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, has defended the shorter rounds as a measure of safety and “well-being of the fighters”, arguing the comparison to other sports is not directly equivalent.
Despite giving up the belt, Cameron is not stepping away from competition. Her promoters, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), confirm that she will continue to seek championship opportunities — provided she is allowed to fight under her preferred conditions.
For Cameron this is more than a personal protest — it is about the future of women’s boxing. She framed her decision as a step not only for herself but for future generations of female fighters who deserve to compete on equal terms. “I’m proud of my accomplishment in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the future of the sport,” she said.
The move has resonated across the boxing world, shining a spotlight on how structural rules in combat sports continue to differ by gender. While women’s boxing has grown significantly in stature and viewership, issues around pay, exposure, fight opportunities and indeed round duration have lingered. Cameron’s action now places pressure on governing bodies to revisit long-standing regulations.
Analysts believe the timing of the protest may be strategic. With women’s boxing gaining more global attention and crossover interest, aligning the rules with men’s contest formats could draw bigger fights, greater broadcast deals and wider legitimacy. Cameron’s stand may catalyse reform and encourage other fighters to follow.
For fans and followers of the sport, this is a pivotal moment. Cameron, who has previously engaged publicly about the need for more high profile fights and better investment in women’s boxing, is now using her status as a former undisputed champion to champion systemic change. Her decision could be a marker of how the sport evolves.
In conclusion, Chantelle Cameron’s decision to vacate her world title in protest of gender-based disparities marks a courageous and potentially historic moment for boxing. More than simply relinquishing a belt, she has drawn a line in the sand about equality in the sport. As she continues her career under her own terms, her stand may well influence how women’s boxing is governed, promoted and respected in the future.
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