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The British fighter chose to relinquish her WBC super-lightweight title on recently as a form of protest against existing rules in the sport for women, insisting on the opportunity to compete in longer rounds similar to male counterparts.

Demonstration against unequal treatment

Her choice to relinquish her championship belt originates from her clear disagreement with the WBC’s rule that women boxers participate in shorter rounds, which the experienced fighter regards as unfair standards.

“The sport for women has made great strides, but there’s still room for improvement,” she announced. “I’ve always believed in fairness and that includes the right to have identical rules, the same chances, and identical regard.”

Background of the championship

The British boxer was elevated to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was designated “temporary champion” as she paused from the sport. The boxing organization was preparing for a contract bid on Friday for a match between the champion and fellow British boxer the challenger.

Earlier case

In December 2023, another female fighter likewise vacated her belt after the governing body declined to permit her to participate in bouts under the equivalent rules as male boxing, with longer duration fights.

Council’s stance

The WBC president, Sulaimán, had mentioned before that they would not authorize extended rounds in female matches. “For tennis they play three sets, for basketball the basket is shorter and the size is reduced and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the health and protection of the athletes,” he commented on his platform.

Existing norm

The majority of female championship bouts have ten rounds of reduced time each, and the fighter was one of more than two dozen boxers – such as Serrano – who started a movement in recently to have the right to compete under the equivalent conditions as men fighters.

Career statistics

The athlete, who holds a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her demonstration extends beyond personal preference, framing it as a fight for coming generations of women fighters. “It’s an honor of my achievement in earning a WBC champion, but it’s right to protest for what’s right and for the future of the sport,” she continued.

Coming actions

The fighter is not leaving from the sport completely, however, with her representatives her team stating she aims to chase different title chances and marquee bouts while maintaining her insistence on participating in longer duration fights.