18/05/2024
Q Voice News reports that Patricio Manuel, the first out transgender boxer in the United States, has remained defiant after losing the first fight of his career. He was knocked out by Joshua Bryan Reyes 21 seconds into their fight in Indio on April 4th. However, he told fans “It’s a risk we all take when we step in the ring. It’s what is exciting about boxing – and also the most heart breaking, The most important part is I am healthy. I am deeply disappointed and to be honest, my ego is bruised", he added, but said that he would be back in the ring soon. Manuel has competed in boxing tournaments since he was a high school student. His career as a female competitor included five national amateur championships and a stint in the 2012 Olympic Trials. After experiencing a shoulder injury, Manuel decided to be true to himself and transitioned from female to male, according to Q Voice News reported Philip Zonkel. In 2019, Everlast named Manuel as part of its historic “Be First” campaign. Manuel was the first trans boxer selected by the company to endorse its brand. “These fighters and their stories not only humanize the world of fight sports, but they also relate to many struggles people face around the world today,” Everlast said in a statement at the time.
