USA Boxing’s New Policy Allows Biological Men To Compete Against Female Boxers
USA Boxing has recently implemented a new policy that permits biological men who identify as transgender women to compete against their female counterparts in athletic competitions. The policy comes with specific criteria that must be met in order for transgender athletes to participate.
According to the new policy, male boxers who transition to identifying as women can compete in the female category, provided they are over 18 years old, verbally express their gender identity, and undergo gender-reassignment surgery. Additionally, transgender athletes must undergo regular hormone testing. It is important to note that individuals under the age of 18 are still required to compete in accordance with their biological sex.
The policy includes a requirement that boxers who transition their genders maintain testosterone levels below 5 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) for three years before participating in the female division. They must also demonstrate a consistent testosterone level below 5 nmol/L throughout their eligibility.
The introduction of this policy has sparked controversy within the boxing community. Boxing Champion Ebanie Bridges is among those who have criticized the decision, expressing concerns about safety and fairness in sports. While acknowledging that she has nothing against transgender individuals, Bridges argues against blurring the line between genders in competitive sports.
Bridges stated, This is wrong on so many levels. I will never agree to this. It’s bad enough having trans women breaking records in other sports like track and field, swimming, and power-lifting, but it’s a bit different to them breaking our skulls in combat sports where the aim is to HURT YOU not just break a record.
She further proposed the creation of a transgender division to ensure the protection of biological women from potential severe injuries or even fatalities when facing biological men in boxing matches.
USA Boxing, on the other hand, claims that the policy was implemented to uphold fairness and safety for all boxers. However, critics argue that allowing transgender women to compete against biological women raises concerns about physical advantages, such as bone density, and other biological factors that may impact the competition.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether USA Boxing’s new policy will undergo further scrutiny or potential amendments to address the concerns raised by those who believe in the importance of maintaining a level playing field for female athletes.
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