World Boxing Council plans to form new category for transgender athletes in 2023

The World Boxing Council (WBC), one of the sport’s leading governing bodies will invite transgender athletes to come forward next year to compete in a division or tournament exclusively for trans fighters.

The proposals have been put forward by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman to ensure trans athletes also enjoy a fair chance. They will not be allowed to compete against non-trans fighters and will be adopting the ‘at birth’ rule. This means trans fighters born a man will only be allowed to compete against other trans fighters of the same gender i.e., in this case, a man.

Sulaiman told the Daily Telegraph that they will be putting out a global call for those who are interested in 2023. He said they will also be setting up the protocols, starting consultations and most likely creating a league and a tournament.


Sulaiman asserted ‘It is the time to do this’, and added that they are doing this because of safety and inclusion.



Patricio Manuel in 2018 became the first transgender boxer to compete as a professional in US history, defeating Mexican super-featherweight Hugo Aguilar. It was his first and only fight as a male. Now 37-year-old, Manuel did not fight after 2018. Born a female, Manuel underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2015 after experiencing approximately a year of hormone treatment.

Swimming, weightlifting, cycling, and rugby union are just a few of the sports that have been impacted by the discussion over transgender athletes partaking in sports in recent years.

Given that boxing is a contact sport, the WBC was eager to address the issue and put out a suitable action plan to guarantee that all health and safety issues were taken into account.
Sulaiman also said, they 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. They do not yet know the numbers that are out there, but are opening a universal registration in 2023, so that they can understand the boxers that are out there – and they’ll start from there.’

In response, the British Boxing Board of Control stated that while discussions for a transgender category are just "hypothetical," those about their policy have already started.
According to the BBC of general secretary Robert Smith, at the moment it is hypothetical, but they can see it coming and they are looking at our transgender policy. It is who you are by birth, just like rugby union. We plan to be completely ready if and when it does (happen). It will be necessary to take into account both medical and, maybe more significantly, legal factors.

FAQs:

1. What is WBC?
   The World Boxing Council is an international boxing organization.
2. Who are two famous players of the WBC?
   Daisuke Matsuzaka (Japan) and Robinson Cano (Dominican Republic)