“This Is Idk”: Claressa Shields Responds to USA Boxing Allowing Transgender Women to Participate in Female Category
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USA Boxing has ushered in a ‘Transgender Policy’ into its 2024 rulebook. This groundbreaking addition, penned in August 2022, explicitly outlines the eligibility of male boxers who undergo a gender transition to compete in the female category. This stance, welcoming transgender participation, stands in stark contrast to what certain international professional boxing organizations endorse.
Not only organizations, but many female boxers have raised their concerns about such a rule. Their prime concern is that it may put a lot of female athletes at risk of serious physical damage. The latest to add to the growing criticism is Claressa Shields who voiced her skepticism about the new policy.
Claressa Shields isn’t too sure about the ‘transgender policy’
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USA Boxing has been facing a lot of backlash. Many want them to take a different route. For instance, in the professional scene, the WBC President mentioned in December 2022 that they’d be making a separate category for transgender athletes.
🤔 this is idk……. Not the right decision. https://t.co/JoqP3VAhy0
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) December 31, 2023
Even the 2x undisputed champion who has a lot of experience sparring with male athletes doesn’t feel safe with the decision. Shields replied to a post that asked for an opinion on this policy. Shields wrote, “This is idk……. Not the right decision.”
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It’s to be noted that it’s not just Shields, even other female boxers like Amanda Serrano and Ebanie Bridges have also raised their voices against this policy. Many believe that this would definitely put the safety of women’s boxing in jeopardy.
Amanda Serrano and Ebanie Bridges share their verdict on the policy
Evidently, the policy has stirred a wave of criticism within the boxing community. Among the vocal opponents of this policy are prominent female boxers, including Amanda Serrano, Ebanie Bridges, and Mikaela Mayer. These athletes who are recognized names in the sport, have voiced their disapproval, joining in the dissent against the controversial regulations. Serrano pointed out the hypocrisy and mentioned how women aren’t even allowed to fight under men’s rules, but now a man can identify as a woman and step inside the ring with them.
Make it make sense! Women who were born women can’t compete against women under the same rules as men according to the WBC….BUT men can identify as a woman, transition and then fight us women?
All I want is equal opportunity for all. Our bodies. Our decision.
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) December 30, 2023
Mikaela Mayer, a former unified super-featherweight world champion has raised a compelling critique. In her unequivocal statement, Mayer points out a critical aspect—the prohibition of hormone therapy. According to Mayer, this ban on hormone therapy should inherently render transgender athletes ineligible for competition.
Hormone therapy is banned. By default this should make trans athletes ineligible for competition. Period. 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. https://t.co/saLFdUHgvk
— Mikaela Mayer (@MikaelaMayer1) December 30, 2023
Ebanie Bridges, a former bantamweight world titleholder, has also added her opposition to the discourse. In a resolute statement on social media, Bridges expressed her firm refusal to endorse such a policy. She dismissed the notion of adhering to “political correctness,” and emphasized her concern for the health and safety of athletes.
I don’t care about “political correctness” it’s politically incorrect to have a man fighting a woman.. and idc that’s exactly what it is… this society is too soft.. this is our health and safety. The girls need to stick together or women’s sport in 50 years will be filled with…
— Blonde Bomber 🥊💁🏼♀️ (@EbanieBridges) December 30, 2023
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Many female athletes are coming together to fight this policy. USA Boxing hasn’t stated anything in response to the criticism that has been swirling around all over the internet.
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Now, it is to be seen how and when this policy will be enforced. What are your thoughts about this? Let us know in the comments section.
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