Chantelle Cameron gives up world title in protest against rules

Chantelle Cameron was only recently upgraded to world champion but has now given up her belt without making a single defence

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Chantelle Cameron has given up her world title in protest at not being allowed to fight over 12 rounds.

Cameron was only upgraded to full WBC light-welterweight world champion last month when rival Katie Taylor was named 'champion in recess'. Cameron had been interim champion since beating Elhem Mekhaled last year and followed that up with two defences.

BUt she has now given up her belt having been ordered to defend it against Sandy Ryan. Purse bids had been set for today but Cameron has instead decided to pursue a fight over 12 three-minute rounds fought by men rather than the two-minute sessions mandated by the WBC.

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

Cameron recently joined Jake Paul's promotional outfit MVP with co-founder Nakisa Bidarian adding: "Chantelle has never backed down from a challenge, inside or outside the ring,” he said. “This decision underscores her integrity and her leadership as one of the sport’s elite fighters. MVP stands firmly behind Chantelle and her commitment to help drive women’s boxing toward true parity."

Cameron inflicted the first defeat on Taylor when they met in 2023 but lost the rematch six months later. The pair have both been open to a trilogy bout but Taylor has yet to make a definitive decision on her future following her third win over Amanda Serrano earlier this year.

Cameron follows stablemate Serrano in giving up her WBC belt. Two years ago, Puerto Rican Serrano said: "The WBC has refused to evolve the sport for equality so I am relinquishing their title. Moving forward if a sanctioning body doesn't want to give me and my fellow fighters the choice to fight the same as the men, then I will not be fighting for that sanctioning body.

"I am the only boxer, male or female, from Puerto Rico to become undisputed champion. I am the only female boxer to have won titles in seven divisions. I am the first female boxer, along with Katie [Taylor] to headline Madison Square Garden. I am the first female boxer to make seven figures from a fight and the same from sponsors. And I am the first undisputed female champion to fight 12x3 minute rounds."