Boxing to introduce new transgender category in 2023 but WBC chief says fighters’ safety will be paramount
THE World Boxing Council plans to introduce a new transgender category in 2023.WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has invited transgender fighters to come forward to encourage greater inclusion.
American transgender boxer Patricio ManuelCredit: Eyevine
Under the new proposals, trans athletes will not be allowed to complete against non-trans fighters and there will be an ‘at birth’ rule.
This means trans fighters born a man will only be allowed to compete against other trans fighters born a man.
Sulaiman told The Telegraph: “We are going to put out a global call for those who are interested in 2023 and we will set up the protocols, start consultation and most likely create a league and a tournament.
“It is the time to do this, and we are doing this because of safety and inclusion.
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“We have been the leaders in rules for women’s boxing – so the dangers of a man fighting a woman will never happen because of what we are going to put in place.
“In boxing, a man fighting a woman must never be accepted regardless of gender change.
“There should be no grey area around this, and we want to go into it with transparency and the correct decisions.
“Woman to man or man to woman transgender change will never be allowed to fight a different gender by birth.”
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The British Boxing Board of Control will also examine their transgender policy but are committed to adopting the “at birth” policy.
BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith said: “At the moment this is hypothetical but we can see it coming and we are looking at our transgender policy.
“It is what you are born as, as rugby union does. When it does [happen] we intend to be fully prepared.
“Medical and, perhaps more importantly, legal considerations will have to be taken into account.”
Patricio Manuel, born Patricia, was a five-time women’s US amateur champion before failing to qualify for the USA team for the 2012 Olympics.
Manuel began hormone treatment in 2014 before undergoing gender reassignment surgery the following year, and made his pro debut as a male boxer in 2018.
He defeated Hugo Aguilar on points in California but has not boxed since then, and under the WBC’s proposed rules would not be allowed to fight a man.
Sulaiman added: “We will not allow – ever – a transgender born a man to fight a woman, who was born a woman.
“But we are creating a set of rules and structures so that transgender boxing can take place, as they fully deserve to if they want to box.”
Britain’s first transgender boxer, Danny Baker, from Enfield, London, was born female but transitioned in his 20s.
Barker has fought in white collar events but is not professionally licensed to box by the BBBofC.
Danny Baker, Britain’s first transgender boxerCredit: @dboypromotions_87 More
