“Our Bodies, Our Decision”: Slamming WBC for Inequality, Amanda Serrano Rages Against USA Boxing Allowing Transgender Women to Participate in Female Category

Amanda Serrano proved a point when she fought and defeated Danila Ramos over a 12- to 3-minute bout each round. In a strict sense, it was her second undisputed title defense. But soon the system took over as the WBC refused to accept the fight. Unlike the remaining three sanctioning bodies, the WBC has reportedly yet to accord full recognition to women fighting a boxing match under rules similar to men’s boxing.

As a result, she had to relinquish her WBC belt. Subsequently, from an undisputed title holder, she became a unified champion. Three months from now, she will return to headline an event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to available reports, her bout against Nina Meinke on March 2, like the previous instance, will have 12 rounds. Each round will last 3 minutes. However, a recent update, which might see transgender women partake in events meant for women, seems to have incensed her.

In Critique: Amanda Serrano

USA Boxing is the governing body that oversees amateur or Olympic boxing in the United States. According to the latest update, they appear to have incorporated a ‘Transgender Policy’ in their 2024 rulebook. It was written in 2022. The guidelines stipulate that under specific conditions, men who have undergone a gender transition to female would be allowed to participate in the category meant for females or women. Perhaps taking cue from the news, Amanda Serrano lashed out at the rationale laid out by bodies such as the WBC. “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?” she said.

The proud Puerto Rican champion finally stressed the need for equal opportunities for everyone: “All I want is equal opportunity for all. Our bodies. Our decision.” The points she raised resonated with many. One user termed it a ‘terrible decision’ by USA Boxing. Another user, while thanking Serrano, stressed athletes should only compete against individuals who share their biological sex at birth.

Where do they stand? WBC and USA Boxing

As far as transgender boxers are concerned, the WBC last year updated on creating a separate category for them. Mauricio Sulaiman reportedly said, “It is the time to do this, and we are doing this because of safety and inclusion. We have been the leaders in rules for women’s boxing — so the dangers of a man fighting a woman will never happen because of what we are going to put in place.”

While speaking with the Daily Mail, USA Boxing said, “The purpose of this policy is to provide fairness and safety for all boxers.” For an athlete to qualify for participation under a new ruling, a piece on the National Review shared some information. So accordingly, a male athlete should officially identify as female. They should have been through gender reassignment surgery. Completed at least four years of hormone testing post-surgery. Lastly, they should adhere to the testosterone limits specified by USA Boxing.

Read More: “We Have to Protect Boxers From Themselves”: While Amanda Serrano vs. Danila Ramos Set to Create History, WBC President Refuses to Sanction 12 3-Minute Round Fights for Women’s Boxing

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