Patricio Manuel, transgender boxer, picks up third career win
Patricio Manuel, the first publicly transgender boxer in the history of the United States to have a professional fight, picked up the third victory of his career earlier this month when he defeated Alex Gutierrez via unanimous decision in a four-round super featherweight bout.
“Picked up another win, got some stitches, hung with some of my people, did the thing I love with sacrifices but not compromises… all in all, 10/10,” Manuel wrote on his Instagram about the June 8 win over Gutierrez.
“Thanks to my team and sparring partners for the guidance + help, @heather_mcfeatherr for the weight cut, @goldenboy for the opportunity to compete on a big stage, my opponent for saying yes, and everyone who cheered me on – both in the stands or on the screen.
“Full of gratitude that this is life I have consciously constructed for myself. And that I get to share it with so many great people.”
Manuel, 37, was the first transgender boxer to compete at the pro level when he made his debut back in 2018.
Born as Patricia Manuel, the boxer identified as a man after being a five-time national amateur champion, as well as competing in the 2012 Women’s U.S. Olympic Trials. Manuel was eliminated from those trials after being forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. He began his transition with hormone treatments in 2013.
He fought his last fight as a woman in 2012 against Tiara Brown. His next bout was in December 2018, after his transition, where he took on Hugo Aguilar, and won by unanimous decision.
