Chicago Hosting World Gay Boxing Championship Next Summer Sends Spark in the Boxing World

Boundaries are being re-defined in the sport of boxing. In a recent turn of events, an amateur boxing card is set to take place in Chicago. However, this is unlike any other boxing event. For the second time, Strong Hands Gym, the first-queer gym in Chicago is set to host the world gay boxing championship. The event is speculated to invite more than 20 LGBTQ+ boxers and allies to compete against one another.

The CEO of the gym, Martin Stark is himself a part of the LGTBTQ+ community as well as a boxer. He has embarked on the pathway to make the sport inclusive, especially towards queer people. This leads to the question, do the fans welcome it? How do they see it playing out? Let’s unwrap these questions by unveiling fan reactions.

World Gay Boxing Championship: A welcome change or not?

A post was made by Block Club Chicago in which Stark announced the championship and claimed that it would be a platform for LGBTQ+ people to break stereotypes. He stated, “LGBTQ+ people and allies can compete in the best sport in the world and show who they are and show how capable they can be.” Moreover, here is how the fans reacted to this revelation: 

A fan considers it to be a great initiative but worries how the city and fans around the world would perceive it. He stated, “much as i love the fight scene in chicago, casual, old-fashioned queerphobia is super prevalent. hopefully, this pushes the needle in a better direction.”

On similar lines, another fan is glad to see it take place and claims he would be present to witness it. He stated, “Im attending”

However, on the contrary, one fan was particularly not so impressed and had few adjectives to express his thoughts. He stated, “Friday Night Sissy Fights. That cut man should get hazard pay”

Moreover, one fan speculates how the fight might go. He stated, “They gon hug it out”

It is safe to say that this event has ignited distinct opinions and debate in the boxing world. Moreover, it bears mention that with time, the sport is slowly beginning to accommodate people of LGBTQ+ into it in the capacity of a competitor. Find out how.

WBC to have a new transgender weight division

Though a minority, many transgender boxers have demanded a separate weight division for them. Back in 2022, the World Boxing Council (WBC) announced that they would commence accommodating transgenders into the sport. The president, Mauricio Sulaiman, attested to the same and claimed that they are working on it. In an interview, he stated, “We do not yet know the numbers that there are out there, but we’re opening a universal registration in 2023.”

Read more: Trans Boxer vs. Female Amateur Bout Gets Canceled at a Major Boxing Tournament

As of yet, there is no exclusive division. But it appears there would be one with time. However, until then, we are curious to know, what do you make of the world gay boxing championship. In addition, share with us your thoughts and opinions about having an exclusive transgender weight division in the comments down below.

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