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Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Transgender boxer Patricio Manuel got a win in his debut by defeating Mexican super-featherweight Hugo Aguilar. The first professional transgender male boxer to fight in the United States won the fight in 12 minutes on Saturday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Manuel, 34, won by unanimous decision.
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"I think if everyone knew what it took to get to this point," Manuel told Golden Boy Boxing. "It has been almost two years since I've even been in a ring. I gotta say, my opponent, my hat is off to him. He came here to fight. He was fighting me the whole time. He fought me as a man and I have so much respect for him."
"I hear some fans aren't happy. It's OK, I'll be back. I'll make you happy then ... I've got some neigh-sayers out there and I've got to prove that I deserve to be in here."
Manuel said he plans to return to the ring.
"It's a funny thing when just living your truth becomes historic."
Patricio Manuel gets his first win as a professional boxer @fantasysprings. #GoldenBoyFN. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/ce4T9OcBQa- Golden Boy Boxing (@GoldenBoyBoxing) December 9, 2018Advertisement
"I'm not in here just for one show or one fight," he said. "This is something I love. I'm not done with this sport. I'll be back."
"Everyone who has been along for this journey over the past six years, thank you so much. I couldn't be here without you. I really needed that support to push me to this point."
Manuel last fought as a female in 2012 at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but had to withdraw after one fight due to an injury. He began training again after his transition. He fought his first male in 2016, winning by decision. He later lost a fight that same year, before turning professional.
The International Olympic Committee advised in 2016 that transgender athletes can compete without undergoing surgery. Manuel missed the ruling by four years.
Golden Boy president Eric Gomez told the Los Angeles Times before the fight that he hadn't spoken to Manuel about doing more fights.
"His dream was to debut as a professional fighter," Gomez told the Times. "Everybody has a right to follow their dreams. Just to be part of this is special for me."
