During a rally in Reading, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris should face off against former heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson in the ring. Trump falsely claimed that two boxers at the Olympics were men who had transitioned into womanhood, sparking a discussion about women's boxing.
The controversy stemmed from Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who faced transphobic abuse after defeating Italian boxer Angela Carini in a preliminary match. Khelif, who is not transgender, was targeted due to a discredited 'gender test' by a boxing federation. Similarly, Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting also faced baseless allegations of being transgender.
Trump praised Mike Tyson's fighting abilities, stating that Tyson could take on Harris in a match. Tyson, known for his troubled past, including a conviction for rape in the 1990s, has a history of violence against women. Despite this, Trump has been a vocal supporter of Tyson, even suggesting that the boxer did not deserve to go to prison for the rape charges.
The remarks made by Trump have sparked criticism and raised concerns about promoting violence and misogyny. The suggestion of pitting a female political figure against a controversial figure like Tyson has been met with backlash from various groups.
It remains to be seen how these comments will impact public opinion and the ongoing discussions surrounding gender equality and respect for women in sports.
