Boxing New Zealand have moved to prevent males appropriating womanhood from boxing women. Science and common sense dictate that males have a strength and power advantage over women and the new policy will ensure fairness and safety.

"Like the position many other sports find themselves in, this comes after a period of considerable consideration and discussion about how best to include people who do not identify as their biological sex, whilst upholding the right for safe and fair competition for all participants," a release by Boxing New Zealand said. 

"Boxing is a combat sport, where strength, stamina, and physique has a significant impact on both the safety of, and fairness for competitors. There is potential for injury or worse if the margins of safety are breached. This is why boxing has sex specific, age specific and weight specific categories to maximise the inclusion of as many people as possible in this great sport, while also prioritizing safe and fair competition for all.

"Alongside many other New Zealand sporting bodies, Boxing New Zealand has participated in Sport New Zealand's recent consultation on their draft guidelines for transgender inclusion in community sport. As part of this process Boxing New Zealand raised concerns with Sport New Zealand about their advocacy for sex self-identification (allowing an individual to self-identify into the sex category of their choice even if they have not undertaken any form of medical transition)."

"Our priority first and foremost is the safety of competitors in our sport, all competitors, regardless of any sexual persuasion or gender preference. We wish to continue to provide an environment where people benefit from rules that allow for fair and safe competition," said President of Boxing New Zealand Steve Hartley.

Kirralie Smith, spokeswoman for Binary, said it is incredible that it even had to be considered.

“There are no circumstances where women should be forced to compete with males in sports that rely on strength, stamina or speed,” she said.

“There are biological categories for this reason. Open or missed categories exist where it is safe and fair to do so. That way everyone wins without compromising the fairness, safety or dignity of women.”