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

As the world is becoming more and more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, there remain a few grey areas that are still under debate. Many female athletes have raised concern over transwomen who were assigned male-at-birth contending under the same rules. In a twist of events, female boxer Katia Bissonnette reportedly withdrew from a Canadian championship match against Mya Walmsley upon learning of Walmsley’s transgender identity.

Wamsley, obviously, is not very happy with the news. She believes Bissonnette could have taken up the matter with her or even her coach instead of approaching the media directly. Let us take a detailed look at the matter.

Katia Bissonnette pulls out of a fight, leaving Mya Walmsley victorious

Bissonnette learned of Walmsley’s transgender identity just an hour before the Championship. Bissonnette pointed to ‘physical and psychological risks’ as the rationale for her decision to withdraw. The two were in competition at the 2023 Provincial Golden Glove Championship in Victoriaville, Quebec. “According to a study, a male blow has 163% more impact than a woman’s, even adjusted for weight,” said Bissonnette citing a study by the University of Utah. Walmsley, after Bissonnette’s withdrawal, won the fight by default, as officials couldn’t find a replacement.

Bissonnette argued that female athletes shouldn’t face the physical and psychological risks tied to an opponent’s personal choices. Walmsley, however, does not concur. She urged trust in athletes’ gender identity. She conveyed her concerns that Bissonnette’s claims might undermine transgender athletes’ legitimacy. Bissonnette contended that Walmsley might not have been eligible in her home country.

Walmsley, in contrast, implied that Bissonnette’s accusations could jeopardize transgender female athletes, subjecting them to exclusion and personal attacks fueled by unfounded claims. However, many female athletes have previously conveyed similar thoughts as Bissonnette.