Britain’s Chantelle Cameron has vacated her WBC light-welterweight world title in a bold move protesting the unequal rules between men’s and women’s professional boxing. Cameron, who has held world titles at two weight divisions, is advocating for equal opportunities, equal respect, and equal rounds for female boxers.

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The Fight for Equality

In men’s professional boxing, world title bouts are traditionally 12 rounds of three minutes each, whereas women’s title fights are limited to 10 rounds of two minutes. Cameron, 34, believes this disparity undermines women’s boxing and has taken a public stand:

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made. I’ve always believed in equality, and that includes the choice to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities, and equal respect.”

By vacating her title, Cameron hopes to spark a broader conversation and push for reforms that allow female fighters to compete under the same conditions as their male counterparts.

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Cameron’s Career Achievements

Since turning professional in 2017, Cameron has compiled an impressive 21 wins in 22 fights. She became the undisputed light-welterweight world champion after defeating Ireland’s Katie Taylor in May 2023, handing Taylor her first career loss. Although she lost the rematch six months later, Cameron’s accomplishments cement her status as one of women’s boxing’s elite.

Last month, Cameron was elevated from interim champion to full WBC light-welterweight champion after Taylor announced she would take a break from boxing, leaving the trilogy bout unpursued. Cameron has also held a world title at lightweight, further showcasing her versatility and dominance in multiple weight classes.

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Pioneering Change in Women’s Boxing

Cameron is following a growing movement advocating for equality in the sport. In October 2023, then-undisputed featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano, along with more than 20 current and former female boxers, publicly called for championship fights to adopt the 12×3 minute format used in men’s boxing.

Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Cameron’s management team, praised her leadership:

“Chantelle has never backed down from a challenge, inside or outside the ring. This decision underscores her integrity and her commitment to drive women’s boxing toward true parity.”

MVP confirmed that Cameron remains focused on returning to the ring in early 2026 and intends to pursue championship opportunities while maintaining the choice to compete in three-minute rounds.

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Impact on the Sport

Cameron’s decision highlights ongoing discussions about gender equality in professional boxing, from fight duration to prize money and recognition. By using her platform, Cameron hopes to inspire a new generation of female fighters and accelerate reforms that allow women to compete on equal footing with men.

Her stand may also influence other sanctioning bodies to reconsider traditional rules and adopt standards that reflect the evolving status of women’s boxing worldwide.