Trans boxer is the new face of Everlast

For the first time in history, a boxer who is a transgender, is the new face of Everlast.

Everlast, the world’s leading manufacturer and licensor of boxing, mixed martial arts and fitness equipment, said in a statement that Patricio Manuel (1-0, 0 KO), 34, of Los Angeles, is part of its “new crop of trailblazers.” The others include an amputee fighter and a pair of amateur boxers who are immigrants from Mexico.

Manuel made his debut last December and won a four-round unanimous decision against winless Hugo Aguilar (0-5). It marked the first time in boxing history that a transgender competed and won a fight.

Trans people are not new to combat sports. Fallon Fox (5-1, 3 KO’s) was the first openly transgender athlete in MMA history.

Manuel won five national amateur championships and also boxed in the 2012 Olympic trials as a woman. However, Manuel exited early with a shoulder injury.