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The British fighter voluntarily gave up her WBC super-lightweight title on Friday as a form of protest against existing rules in female boxing, calling for the opportunity to battle in extended rounds like male counterparts.

Stand against unequal treatment

The boxer’s move to vacate her world title stems from her clear disagreement with the WBC’s mandate that female fighters fight in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old views as unequal treatment.

“The sport for women has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the right to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”

History of the belt

The fighter was promoted to title holder when the previous title holder was named “inactive champion” as she stepped away from boxing. The World Boxing Council was set to have a financial bid on Friday for a bout between the champion and compatriot the challenger.

Previous precedent

In the end of last year, another female fighter also relinquished her championship after the council would not authorize her to compete in matches under the same rule-set as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Organization’s viewpoint

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, had stated previously that they would not approve longer fights in female matches. “For tennis female players compete 3 sets, for basketball the rim is reduced and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by the health and protection of the boxers,” he stated on social media.

Existing norm

Typically women’s championship matches have multiple rounds of reduced time each, and Cameron was one of more than two dozen boxers – including Serrano – who launched a campaign in last year to have the option to compete under the same rules as male boxers.

Career statistics

The boxer, who holds a impressive fight record, stated clearly that her stand is more than individual choice, describing it as a struggle for future generations of female boxers. “I feel proud of my success in earning a title holder, but it’s right to protest for justice and for the sport’s development,” she concluded.

Future plans

Cameron is not retiring from professional fighting altogether, however, with her representatives her promotion company indicating she plans to pursue different title chances and marquee bouts while continuing to demand on participating in longer duration fights.