SUMMARY
- USA Boxing's latest ruling states that boxers who transition from male to female can compete in the female category under certain conditions.
- Despite an extensive list of stipulations and guidelines, the move has been heavily criticized.
Boxing as a sport has enjoyed a lot of ups and downs throughout the year. Having witnessed some amazing bouts and the best boxers on the planet, the year was on course to end on a high note. However, USA Boxing declared a new ruling that may have turned things sour.
For those unaware, USA Boxing‘s latest ruling states that boxers who transition from male to female can compete in the female category under certain conditions. Adding this transgender policy to their new rule book for 2024, it is understandable that the decision is controversial.
USA boxing has officially approved transgender fighters.
A boxer who has transitioned from male to female,is now allowed to fight.It’s dangerous,unfair & down right wrong.
Women are losing rights to this trans agenda, yet few stand up & speak out.
Cowards. pic.twitter.com/gBmMr9Xw2R— Adam Brooks AKA EssexPR 🇬🇧 (@EssexPR) December 30, 2023
For those above the age of 18, any athlete who identifies as female and has undergone their gender reassignment will be eligible to compete in women’s boxing. Additionally, the ruling has specified that after their reassignment surgery, the athlete must have hormone testing done quarterly. Similarly, athletes must present test results indicating less than 5 nmol/L of testosterone level in serum 48 months before their first competition.
Despite an extensive list of stipulations and guidelines, the move has been heavily criticized. For the most part, the topic of transgender athletes is already a tricky one. Previously, we have seen the controversy regarding Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who won the recent NCAA Championship. As such, the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s boxing is a much more serious matter.
Fans and fighters react to the USA Boxing ruling
For the most part, the initial thoughts shared by many regarding the ruling were one of shock and fear for the wellness of female boxers. As proven previously, athletes transitioning from male to female showcase much stronger attributes. Moreover, when it comes to combat sports and boxing in particular, it could have serious health implications for female boxers.
According to various researchers and analysts, transgender women have a 45% upper-body strength advantage. Additionally, they also boast a 162% stringer punch power over biological women. Thus, many believe that this move for ‘inclusivity’ will only result in actual physical harm to women.
Since the announcement of the news, many fans and fighters have taken to social media to share their disapproval. Notably, UFC fighter Matt Brown, former swimmer Riley Gaines, and female boxer Ebanie Bridges are among the few who have disputed the decision. Similarly, fans have flocked to social media to share their thoughts. Fans wrote, “Why don’t they just make a transgender league,” “Stop the madness,” and “This is unacceptable actually some women is gonna get hurt”.
For the most part, everyone is publicly denouncing this decision, as it jeopardizes women’s safety in boxing. Currently, other female fighters such as Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, and Claressa Shields are yet to give their verdict on the matter. However, judging by the general consensus, it is hard to imagine that their opinion will be any different.