Transitioning does not significantly mitigate the physical advantages transgender athletes have over women.
Beginning this year, USA Boxing will allow men who identify as women to take part in women’s sports, a move that has drawn outrage for being unfair to female boxers.
The new rules, applicable to boxers over the age of 18, were formulated in 2022 and came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. According to updated regulations, USA Boxing will now allow a male boxer to compete in the women’s category provided that certain conditions are met.
The athlete should declare their gender identity as female and must have completed gender reassignment surgery. The individual should have undergone hormone testing once every quarter for at least four years after the sex change surgery and are required to present documentation of hormone levels to USA Boxing.
The normal range of testosterone for men is over 10 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). For women, the range is less than 3.1 nmol/L. Transitioning men have to pass testosterone requirements as well.
“The athlete must demonstrate that her total testosterone level in serum has been below 5 nmol/L for at least 48 months prior to her first competition,” the policy states. “The athlete’s total testosterone level in serum must remain below 5 nmol/L throughout the period of desired eligibility to compete in the female category.”
If a male athlete seeking participation in female competitions fails these eligibility requirements, they would be suspended for a period of 12 months.
USA Boxing is the national governing body of amateur, Olympic-style boxing and is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
The organization is engaged in developing and promoting the sport at local, regional, and national levels. It also selects teams for international events, including the Olympics, Pan American Games, and the World Championships.
Since USA Boxing has a major influence on the sport in the country, its decision to allow men to compete against women could have significant ramifications.
