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Transgender Boxer Makes History After Winning Fight

Transgender Boxer Makes History After Winning Fight

Pat Manuel is the first trans man to box at a professional level in the US

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

History has been made after Pat Manuel became the first trans man to box at a professional level in the US.

Thirty-three-year old Pat won his bout against Hugo Aguilar, a Mexican super-featherweight in California.

Golden Boy Boxing

Speaking to Yahoo, Pat said: "I think if people knew what it took to get to this moment, it's been almost two years since I've been in a ring.

"I just have to say my opponent, hats off to him. He came to fight. He was fighting me the whole time. He fought me as a man, and I have so much respect for him."

Instagram/Pat Manuel

Taking time to thank his supporters, he added: "I just need to say to everyone that's been along with this journey for like six years really, thank you so much. I couldn't be here without you.

"I really needed that support to help push me to this point. There's so many people that just wanted me to be here, and I'm so happy that I could perform for them.

"I'm not in here just for one show, for one fight. This is something I love. I'm not done with this sport. I'll be back."

Responding to some boos from the audience, Pat said: "I hear some fans aren't happy. It's OK, I'll be back. I'll make them happy then."

Before transitioning, Pat had taken part in trials for the London 2012, but had to drop out after injuring his shoulder.

Instagram/Pat Manuel

Following his injury, Pat began his journey to become a man and decided to step back into the ring.

However, there was reportedly some reluctance from the boxing authorities in California to hand over a licence. They were overruled by the International Olympic Committee which said that trans fighters should be able to compete 'without restriction'.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Pat had wanted to transition, but had put it off to attempt to represent the US at Olympic level.

Speaking to the paper, his mum Loretta Butler said: "Pat has always been a male. It's just Pat was not assigned properly at birth."

Pat's competitor Hugo was only told that Pat was trans the day before the fight and wasn't fazed by it, telling reporters: "It doesn't change anything for me. In the ring, he wants to win and I want to win, too."

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/Pat Manuel

Topics: Boxing, Free to Be