The World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially ruled against the introduction of three-minute rounds for women’s boxing, confirming that female fighters will continue to compete in two-minute rounds. The decision has reignited debate across the boxing community, with many fighters and fans calling for equality in ring time and recognition of women’s growing influence in the sport.

For decades, women’s boxing has battled for legitimacy and equal footing with men’s divisions. In the early 1990s, female pioneers like Christy Martin and Laila Ali helped bring mainstream attention to the sport. Fast forward to today, women’s boxing has evolved into a global attraction, with stars like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, Amanda Serrano, and Chantelle Cameron headlining major events and filling arenas around the world. Despite that progress, the difference in round duration remains one of the most discussed issues in modern boxing.

SHOP: Kickboxing Gear

The WBC has maintained its position that shorter rounds are in place for safety reasons, citing medical studies about potential concussion risks. However, several top athletes, including Amanda Serrano and Claressa Shields, have openly opposed the restriction, arguing that women are fully capable of handling three-minute rounds, as proven in non-WBC sanctioned bouts. Serrano notably fought a 12-round, three-minute format earlier this year, showing endurance and skill comparable to male fighters.

Many see the WBC’s decision as a step backward in a time when women’s boxing is thriving. The sport’s rapid growth, highlighted by sold-out arenas and record-breaking pay-per-view numbers, shows that female boxers are ready for parity in both pay and fight structure. While the WBC stands firm, the demand for equal round times is unlikely to fade as women continue to redefine the boundaries of boxing excellence.

READ MORE: Dana White Confirms UFC Met with FBI Over Isaac Dulgarian Fight-Fixing Allegations

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X