Patricio Manuel, the first transgender professional boxer, is now the face of a new Everlast boxing campaign.
What We Know:
- On Thursday, October 26, 2019, Everlast a major boxing brand announced that Patricio Manuel will be representing their brand in their “Be First” Campaign. Manuel is known for being the first transgender to compete and win in professional boxing.
- After being eliminated from the 2012 Olympic trials due to an injury, the athlete used his recovery time to make a huge decision and finally transition from female to male. During his 6-year transition journey, he was abandoned by his trainers, gym, friends, and lost many jobs.
- On December 8, 2018, he stepped into the ring with Hugo Aguilar and competed as the first transgender in professional boxing. He won the 12-minute match with a unanimous decision with three judges scoring 39-37.
- Manuel had this to say about the new ad: “At a time when transgender people are being questioned whether we have a place in the sporting world or even being recognized by the world at large, for Everlast to endorse me is huge. It’s a bold statement and I think it personifies the saying ‘Be First.’…I really hope it pushes other companies to think outside the box. This world is so incredibly diverse, we all deserve to have our identities and stories highlighted.”
At 34, Manuel is making massive strides in the boxing world but says he’s not done yet and is looking towards his next goal.
