🔗 Share this article

The super-lightweight champion decided to vacate her prestigious boxing title on this week as a symbolic gesture against current regulations in female boxing, calling for the option to compete in longer rounds similar to male boxers.

Stand against inequality

Her choice to vacate her world title comes from her firm stance with the WBC’s requirement that women participate in two-minute rounds, which the 34-year-old considers gender disparity.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still work to be done,” the boxer declared. “I firmly believe in fairness and that includes the option to have identical rules, equal opportunities, and the same recognition.”

History of the title

The fighter was upgraded to WBC super-lightweight world champion when former champion Taylor was named “temporary champion” as she took a break from the sport. The boxing organization was preparing for a financial bid on recently for a match between the champion and fellow British boxer Sandy Ryan.

Prior instance

In late 2023, another female fighter also relinquished her belt after the council refused to allow her to compete in bouts under the identical regulations as fighters’ boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

WBC’s position

The council head, Mauricio Sulaimán, had declared previously that they would not authorize 12 three-minute rounds in women’s boxing. “Regarding tennis female players compete three sets, for basketball the hoop is lower and the ball is smaller and those are not contact sports. We prioritize the welfare of the fighters,” he commented on social media.

Current standard

Typically women’s championship matches have 10 rounds of reduced time each, and the British boxer was among over twenty fighters – like Serrano – who launched a campaign in last year to have the option to compete under the identical regulations as men fighters.

Career statistics

The boxer, who boasts a 21-1 professional boxing record, made clear that her stand extends beyond her own wishes, framing it as a fight for future generations of women fighters. “I’m proud of my success in becoming a title holder, but it’s time to take a stand for equality and for the future of the sport,” she continued.

Coming actions

The athlete is not retiring from the sport completely, however, with her management team her promotion company saying she plans to pursue different title chances and prestigious matches while maintaining her insistence on participating in three-minute rounds.