Patricio Manuel
Patricio Manuel, nicknamed "Cacahuate", is an American professional boxer. In 2018, he became the first transgender boxer to fight professionally in the United States.
Career
Manuel made his professional debut on a Golden Boy Promotions event on December 8, 2018 in Indio, California, scoring a four-round unanimous decision victory over Hugo Aguilar, with all three judges scoring the bout 39–37. Aguilar only knew of Manuel's transition two days prior to the bout. He stated "For me it's very respectable ... It doesn't change anything for me. In the ring he wants to win and I want to win too."In May 2019, Manuel was a keynote speaker at the launch event for the San Francisco 49ers LGBTQ+ and allies fan club, held at Levi's Stadium.
In September 2019, Manuel became the new face of Everlast boxing equipment.
In March 2023, Manuel won his second professional bout against Hien Huynh by technical decision.
In June 2023, Manuel participated in Golden Boy Fight Night where he won by unanimous decision against Alexander Gutierrez.
In April 2024, Manuel participated again in Golden Boy Fight Night and was knocked out after 21 seconds into the first round by his opponent Joshua Bryan Reyes. The bout, part of the Golden Boy Fight Night card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, marked a significant moment as Manuel, the first openly transgender boxer in U.S. history, faced his most accomplished opponent to date.
Transition
Manuel identified as a man after being a five-time national amateur champion, as well as competing in the 2012 Women's U.S. Olympic Trials. Manuel was eliminated from those trials after being forced to withdraw due to receiving a shoulder injury. He began his transition with hormone treatments in 2013, and he had top surgery in Salt Lake City in 2014.Personal life
As of 2017, Manuel resides with his partner and their pit bull, Ginkgo, in California, maintaining a private personal life. Known by his boxing nickname "Cacahuate", he continues training under coach Victor Valenzuela in Duarte, California, with a focus on resilience despite career challenges. His advocacy and visibility as the first openly transgender professional boxer in the U.S. have made him a significant figure in both sports and social justice.Advocacy and Public Profile
Manuel has emerged as a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, speaking at events like the San Francisco 49ers LGBTQ+ fan club launch in May 2019 and becoming the face of Everlast’s "Be First" campaign in September 2019. His journey has been featured in major media outlets, including The Los Angeles Times, ESPN, HBO, and a Webby Award-winning VICE documentary, "Identify." Despite facing discrimination, including opponents refusing to fight him and public criticism, Manuel remains committed to promoting inclusivity in sports.Professional boxing record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
| 4 | Loss | 3–1 | Joshua Brian Reyes | 1 | April, 4 2024 | Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, U.S. | Part of the Golden Boy Fight Night undercard; first-round TKO after Reyes landed a sharp punch to Manuel’s chin, marking Manuel’s first professional loss. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Alexander Gutierrez | 4 | Jun, 8 2023 | Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, U.S. | ||
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Hien Huynh | 4 | Mar, 18 2023 | Walter Pyramid, Long Beach, U.S. | ||
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Hugo Aguilar | 4 | Dec 8, 2018 | Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, U.S. |