Claressa Shields Slams WBC’s ‘Global Call’ to Have Category for Trans Athletes; Gets Corrected by Mauricio Sulaiman

The WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman recently announced the development of a “transgender program” to allow trans athletes a part in boxing. The council is seeking to issue a “global call” for interested trans athletes and subsequently create an entirely distinct category in 2023. Among others, IFL TV shared the news in a tweet.

The undisputed women’s middleweight champion Claressa Shields became alarmed at the news and spontaneously enquired if a man who now identified as a woman was permitted to fight her in boxing. “Wait so you saying that…. A man, who is now identified as a woman, transgender, is allowed to fight against me? @wbcmoro,” she wrote in a reply to IFL TV’s tweet.

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The president of WBC pleads Claressa Shields to read the full story before reacting

As per the WBC, trans athletes would be included, but they would have to compete in their distinct category. According to one of the conditions laid out by the WBC, “Woman to man or man to woman transgender change will never be allowed to fight a different gender by birth“ in the boxing ring. Therefore, when Shields responded to the contrary, Sulaiman personally replied to Shields.

“All to the contrary! @WBCBoxing rejects and bans any boxing involving a born man vs a born woman. Please read full story…” Sulaiman implored Shields. WBC has claimed to stand by transgender rights. However, to ensure fairness in boxing, WBC has sidelined the idea of transgender woman combatants facing cisgender woman combatants in the ring.

Shields replies to WBC president, addressing the absence of an article link

While Sulaiman addressed Shields as “dear champion, ” the latter referred to the former as “dear friend, brother” in her tweet. After the WBC president requested Shields to read the full story, Shields explained that “there was no link”. However, the two-time Olympic champion and Guinness world record holder thanked Sulaiman for “clearing that up” in her tweet.

Shields fought her last on October 15. She squared off against long-time rival Savannah Marshall at the O2 Arena, Greenwich. The 27-year-old holds four titles and stands with a record of 0 losses and 13 wins.

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What do you think about the inclusive decision of WBC? What do you have to say about Shields? Let us know in the comments.