Chantelle Cameron gives up WBC title for equality fight

Britain’s Chantelle Cameron has made headlines by relinquishing her WBC light-welterweight world title, taking a firm stand for gender equality in boxing. The 34-year-old champion said she could no longer compete under rules that differ from those of her male counterparts.

In women’s professional boxing, title fights are limited to 10 rounds of two minutes each, while men fight 12 rounds of three minutes. Cameron believes this disparity undermines the progress women have made in the sport.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” Cameron said, expressing her disappointment over the unequal conditions. She added that her decision was driven by the belief that every fighter should have the same opportunities and recognition, regardless of gender.

Cameron’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Since turning professional in 2017, she has recorded 21 wins in 22 bouts, becoming an undisputed light-welterweight champion and holding a lightweight world title. She famously handed Ireland’s Katie Taylor her first professional loss in May 2023 before losing their rematch six months later.

A trilogy fight between the two had been planned, but Taylor’s decision to step away from the ring shifted Cameron’s focus. She was later upgraded to full WBC champion status after Taylor informed officials of her temporary break.

By vacating her title, Cameron joins other top fighters like Amanda Serrano who have also demanded equal fight durations for women—12 rounds of three minutes instead of the current 10x2 format.

Cameron’s bold move has sparked new conversations about fairness and the evolution of women’s boxing. While she steps away from her WBC belt, her message has resonated across the sporting world: equality in the ring is long overdue.

According to her team, the Northampton-born fighter plans to return to action in early 2026, aiming for more championship bouts—but this time, on her own terms.