Trans Boxer Makes History As Face of Everlast
Everlast — the company best known for making pugilism equipment such as boxing gloves — has chosen Patrico Manuel, a transman and professional boxer, to rep its line, reports CNN.
"I'm incredibly honored to have been selected to tell my story in Everlast's Be First campaign," Manuel said of his historic accomplishment, CNN reported.
"Everlast is such a fixture in the sport and to have such an iconic athletic company recognize me as I am — as a professional boxer who is transgender — is a dream come true," Manuel went on to say.
CNN recalled that before his transition, Manuel rose to become a National Amateur Boxing Champion. He was bound for the Olympics until he was sidelined by an injury. But being down for the count didn't mean he was down and out; Manuel determined that it was time to forge forward and transition.
That's when he became embroiled in the toughest fight of his life, as professional associates like his trainers backed away from him and the sport of boxing proved reluctant to allow him to compete. Eventually, Manuel prevailed — and last December, Manuel made history as the first trans boxer to fight professionally. In the ring, as outside of it, Manuel fought to win... and win he did.
Now his inspiring story has reached a new chapter, with Everlast having taken him on as brand ambassador — gloves previously filled,
"Regardless of what your goals are, whether you are trans, whether you are an athlete or not, our dreams have big costs to it, and it all requires risk for us to find that reward," Manuel told CNBC.