Transgender boxer Patricio Manuel has affirmed his commitment to continue boxing, despite encountering his first professional defeat.
In 2018, Manuel made history as the first transgender man to compete in a professional boxing match, clinching a victory over Hugo Aguilar on points.
Prior to transitioning in 2015, Manuel had already earned the title of five-time US Women's amateur champion.
Maintaining an undefeated record in his professional career until last week, Manuel boasted a 3-0 tally in the super featherweight category.
However, his winning streak came to an abrupt end when he faced Joshua Brian Reyes at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on April 4.
Auto DraftReyes, with four wins and two losses in his six professional fights, secured an unexpected victory by knocking out Manuel in just 21 seconds.
Following this challenging loss, Manuel took to Instagram on Saturday to share a statement brimming with determination.
"I'm not one to hide my face no matter the outcome….I lost last night," he shared on Instagram.
"I trained my a** off, had great sparring, cut no corners. But sometimes s*** doesn't go your way. It's a risk we all take when we step in the ring."
"It's what makes boxing exciting - and also what can break your heart. The most important thing is that I am healthy."
Auto Draft"I am deeply disappointed, and to be honest, my ego is bruised. But I refuse to bow my head in shame. I've never been one to play it safe and sometimes that results in failure."
"Life has shown me time and again that failure will not break me. Thank you to everyone who has been (and hopefully will still be) in my corner."
Currently, Manuel stands as the sole transgender boxer in the professional arena.
In 2023, Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), proposed a plan to introduce a transgender boxing category.
This category would adhere to a 'birth rule' policy, ensuring that transgender fighters born male compete solely against other transgender fighters born male, and likewise for those born female.
The WBC put out a 'global call' to gauge interest among transgender athletes keen on participating.
However, despite these endeavors, Sulaiman later confirmed that the response to this new division has been 'very minimal'.
