USA boxing trans policy allows men to fight women

Female boxers could be forced to fight men under USA Boxing’s transgender policy it has been revealed.

The eligibility criteria, written in August 2022 but now released as part of the governing body’s 2024 National Rule Book, allows men to compete in women’s competitions if they have “completed gender reassignment surgery” and meet the specified testosterone levels.

However, boxers under 18 years of age may only compete against those of the same biological sex.

Unfair

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, professional boxer Mikaela Mayer said: “Hormone therapy is banned. By default this should make trans athletes ineligible for competition.

Do you really want to see Women injured or killed in the ring?”

“Doesn’t matter how you feel about the situation, fact is, it’s illegal & completely disrupts the even level playing field that sport works so hard to create.”

She highlighted that although boxers such as herself may be able to refuse to compete against men, “other up and coming boxers may not. Especially if it means sacrificing everything they have worked for”.

Female powerlifter April Hutchinson added: “Women are NOT ‘just’ a hormone level. No surgery or hormone therapy will negate muscle mass and fast twitch fibers that MEN have. Do you really want to see Women injured or killed in the ring?”

Appeal

Last year, Hutchinson launched legal action against the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) after she was suspended for two years for publicly upholding the importance of biological sex in women’s sports.

She was reported to the CPU for ‘harassment’ when she urged the Union to stop men who identify as women from competing in female-only events.

In August, male athlete Anne Andres broke the women’s national record at CPU’s 2023 Western Canadian Championship. His total powerlifting score – the combined weights across three disciplines – was 597.5kg, over 200kg more than second-placed SuJan Gill.