Women boxers issue statement calling for 12 three-minute rounds in title fights
- Published
![Amanda Serrano hits Heather Hardy](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/F918/production/_131386736_gettyimages-1595460129.jpg)
Amanda Serrano (left) retained her undisputed featherweight titles with victory against Heather Hardy
Amanda Serrano and other women boxers want the choice to be able to contest title fights over 12 rounds like their male counterparts.
Undisputed featherweight world champion Serrano, along with more than 20 current and former women boxers, said in a statement they also want to be able to fight three-minute rounds.
Women's title fights are usually for no more than 10 two-minute rounds.
"In our sport we have made progress but there is still far to go," they said., external
"We stand together with the desire and dedication to have the choice to perform on the same stage, with the same rules, as men in professional boxing.
"We have earned the choice of three-minute rounds, with 12 rounds for championship fights to demonstrate our skill and greatness.
"We have earned the choice to build a more equal future for fighters everywhere.
"We hope boxing stakeholders support us just as we have supported them throughout our careers. This is our time, our right and our choice. We are boxing."
Britain's two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas and retired fighter Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali, also gave their name to the statement.
Serrano's unified title bout against Danila Ramos this month in Orlando is set to be fought across 12 rounds of three minutes each.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) said the move was supported by the WBO, WBA, and IBF.
"We are advocating for the ability to choose," Serrano said.
"Female boxers compete in MMA with five-minute rounds, the same as their male counterparts. Even in bare-knuckle boxing, women and men compete with the same rules."
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- Published14 January