Patricio Manuel became the first transgender professional male boxer Saturday at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Manuel's first pro match only lasted twelve minutes, but that was all it took for the fighter to make history. In a unanimous decision, the boxer beat his rival, Mexico's Hugo Aguilar in the 128-pound super featherweight division.
“It’s a high right now,” Manuel said. “I’m just really happy. This is the definition of true happiness in this moment.”
Six years ago, Manuel was competing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. An unexpected shoulder injury caused the fighter to bow out of the running, and during his recovery, he began his hormone treatments.
Although Manuel was careful to follow USA Boxing and International Olympic Committee transition rules following his surgery, the 33-year-old had trouble finding a coach, management and a gym, The Desert Sun reports.
Eventually, Manuel was able to recruit trainer Vic Valenzuela to his corner, who put him in touch with Eric Gomez, the president of Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. Gomez set up two amateur fights; Manuel won one and lost one. Impressed with the young man's skills, Gomez offered to help him go pro.
Ahead of his first professional fight, Manuel asked Golden Boy and the ringside commentators not to mention the gender he was assigned at birth. Golden Boy agreed.
"You can’t hide it," Gomez said. "I’m not trying to hide it, either. But I’m not going to use it as publicity.”
Manuel's competition, Aguilar, learned of Manuel’s transition only two days before the fight. He said the fact Manuel is a trans man “doesn’t change anything for me,” and added, “In the ring, he wants to win, and I want to win, too.”
While Manuel and his team wanted to treat the bout like any other event, Gomez said everyone understood the significance of the fight.
“This is bigger than boxing,” Gomez said. “It’s for all sports. The story is, I don’t care who you are, what country you come from, what nationality. It doesn’t really matter. If you’re good enough to compete, you’ll be able to compete. All you need is a chance. I’m just happy to be a part of it."
“I wouldn’t trade any of it," Manuel said. "It was worth everything I went through to get to this point. I’m a professional boxer now.”
Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.
Now, check these out:
New White Supremacist Game Allows Players To Massacre POC, Journalists And The LGBTQ Community
Transgender Asylum Seeker Beaten Before Dying In ICE Custody
Human Rights Campaign And HBCU Buzz Partner To Launch The First LGBT+ HBCU Alumni Network
