Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
WBC women’s champion talks gender investigation
Susie Ramadan has told WBN that there was definitely a difference
in punching power when the Australian took gender-test fighter Usanakorn
Kokietgym’s WBC bantamweight belt last weekend in Victoria.
The 33 year-old, who triumphed via a unanimous decision, reacted
to the news that Kokietgym recorded three-times the normal amount of
testosterone in a pre-fight test and is now under investigation to determine
the boxer’s gender.
“I had suspicions when I saw some footage and pictures of
Kokietgym,” Ramadan told World Boxing News.
“Although it’s not really fair for me to judge people by their
appearance, so I continued concentrating on my preparation and let my team take
care of things.
“I never met her personally (before the fight build-up) but I
did get more suspicious when I first saw her at the weigh in, although I was too
focused on my job ahead to let it affect me.
“I haven’t been hit a lot in my career but from what I have
been hit by, there was a definite difference in power.
“I have fought some tough girls, but they didn’t hit as hard
as Usanakorn and from my boxing and life experiences I can tell the
difference of male or female power.
“My team demanded she got tested (for gender) before the
fight and I was hoping the test results wouldn’t interfere with any
cancelations to the fight.
“All my focus was on my job of beating Usanakorn and winning
the title.
“I think the whole situation is crazy. Should this stuff be
allowed?
“I understand in boxing that you will face fighters with the
more advantage, but I don’t think any female fighter she have to face a he/she, or would like to face (someone who could be a man), as it is not fair.
“I could have been seriously hurt and I thank god I wasn’t.
“I think the matter should be dealt with swiftly. I
represent women’s boxing therefore if I did get seriously hurt, it will not
help the reputation of women’s boxing.
“This is a dangerous situation for any female's health, so
action must be taken.”
Kokietgym, 24, is now the subject of mass media attention,
leading to officials making determining the gender of the fighter a top
priority and if the Thai fighter fails to co-operate, there will surely sanctions
or a suspension.