Before he transitioned in 2015, Manuel had already claimed the title of five-time US Women’s amateur champion.
However, his winning streak came to an abrupt halt when he faced Joshua Brian Reyes at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on April 4.
Reyes, who had a record of four wins and two losses in his six professional fights, managed to secure a surprising victory by knocking out Manuel in just 21 seconds.
“I’m not one to hide my face no matter the outcome….I lost last night,” he declared on Instagram.
“It’s what makes boxing exciting – and also what can break your heart. The most important thing is that I am healthy.”
“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.”
As of now, Manuel is still the only transgender boxer competing at the professional level.
This division would operate under an ‘at birth rule’, meaning a transgender fighter born male would only face other transgender fighters born male, and the same rule would apply to those born female.
Despite these efforts, Sulaiman later confirmed that the interest in joining this new division has been ‘very minimal’.
