AFBC President Eyassu Wossen: Women’s sports exist to provide opportunities for female athletes
February 11th, 2025 / AFBC
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I stand firmly in support of the principles of fairness, integrity, and safety in sports. Recent discussions regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s competitions demand careful consideration to uphold these values.
I align with the International Boxing Association (IBA) and its President, Mr. Umar Kremlev, in advocating for policies that protect the integrity of women’s sports. President Kremlev’s recent correspondence wit USA President Donald Trump underscores a shared commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all athletes. This stance is rooted in scientific consensus and medical expertise, which highlight inherent physiological advantages retained by transgender women who underwent male puberty. Such advantages—including greater muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular capacity—can create disparities that compromise fair competition and athlete safety.
Our position is not one of exclusion but of preservation. Women’s sports exist to provide opportunities for female athletes to compete equitably, and we must safeguard these spaces.
I commend President Trump’s leadership in addressing this complex issue and reaffirm the AFBC’s solidarity with the IBA in opposing external interference that undermines boxing’s autonomy. Together, we remain dedicated to fostering unity, transparency, and excellence in African boxing while prioritizing the welfare of our athletes.