In a controversial turn of events, female boxer Dr. Katia Bissonnette withdrew from the 2023 Provincial Golden Glove Championship in Victoriaville, Quebec, just an hour before her scheduled match with transgender fighter Mya Walmsley. Bissonnette claims she was given last-minute notice of her opponent’s transgender status and expressed concerns for her safety.
Bissonnette argued that women should not be subjected to the physical and psychological risks associated with competing against individuals who were assigned male at birth. She advocated for the establishment of two distinct categories in sports: biological male and female. Citing a University of Utah study, she highlighted the potential strength advantage that men may have over women in combat sports.
Boxing Canada suggests that the identity of transgender fighters should not be disclosed if they underwent a transition before puberty to prevent discrimination. Mya Walmsley, originally from Australia, has criticized Bissonnette for publicly outing her instead of seeking a private resolution. Walmsley expressed fear that such accusations could lead to the exclusion and personal attacks on athletes in the women’s category, potentially resulting in arbitrary and invasive regulations.
The withdrawal of Dr. Katia Bissonnette left Mya Walmsley declared the winner by default, as a replacement opponent in the same weight class could not be found at such short notice. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of transgender rights, sports regulations, and the disclosure of athletes’ identities in competitive settings.
