A FEMALE boxer from Thailand recorded "highly suspicious" levels of testosterone before a world title fight in Melbourne on Friday night, again plunging the sport into controversy.
With women's boxing about to debut at the London Olympics, Thai bantamweight Usanakorn Kokietgym was detected with three times the normal level of testosterone for a woman, amid widespread speculation about her gender.
The 24-year-old had been ordered to undergo hormone testing before fighting the Australian champion, Susie Ramadan, whose trainer, Barry Michael, had accused Usanakorn of punching "harder than most blokes I know".
Ramadan won the brutal, 10-round fight at Flemington's Melbourne Pavilion, confirming her ranking as Australia's greatest female boxer.
After the bout, Usanakorn denied taking anabolic steroids or any other drugs when interviewed by the World Boxing Council secretary, Frank Quill, and two ringside physicians. Speaking with the help of an interpreter, Usanakorn refused comprehensive blood testing that would have proven her gender.
Mr Quill said a report, including all medical findings, would be forwarded to the Mexican headquarters of the WBC, which is expected to investigate the allegations.
The South African runner Caster Semenya was embroiled in a similar scandal in 2009, after winning the women's world 800-metre crown as an 18-year-old. Within hours of the race, the International Association of Athletic Federation announced that Semengya would be gender tested, which sparked public outrage from the South African government.
While the results were never made public, Semenya was cleared to run by the IAAF, which introduced new eligibility rules last year for female athletes with excessive male hormones.
The Australian Ringside Medicine Association chairman, Peter Lewis, said there were several explanations for Usanakorn's abnormal testosterone results. "There's a possibility that she started off as a man and has taken estrogen. Or we could be dealing with a woman who is pumped up on steroids. Or she could be a hermaphrodite where you have the genes of a male and the body of a female," Dr Lewis said. He said other medical conditions, including endocrine disorders could contribute to elevated hormone levels.
Lewis said Usanakorn was unlikely to face scrutiny from authorities in Thailand. "I have known of Thai boxers that have tested positive to HIV, Hepatitis B and C in Australia, who have returned to Thailand and been allowed to continue fighting," he said.
Boxing promoter Brian Amatruda said the irregular test results had prompted him to notify the WBC before Friday night's fight.
She was asked several times if she wanted to clear her name and agree to comprehensive testing. She refused, which raises some doubts in my mind," Mr Amatruda said
He said Ms Usanakorn was paid the loser's purse of $14,400, after losing the second fight of her professional career. Ms Usanakorn could not be reached for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What was the controversy involving Thai boxer Usanakorn Kokietgym in Melbourne?
Usanakorn Kokietgym, a 24-year-old Thai bantamweight, recorded unusually high testosterone levels—about three times the normal level for a woman—before a world title fight in Melbourne. The abnormal result and her refusal to undergo comprehensive blood testing after the bout sparked questions about her gender and led to an expected WBC investigation.
Who won the Melbourne world title fight and what did the result mean for the winner?
Australian champion Susie Ramadan won the brutal 10-round fight at Flemington’s Melbourne Pavilion. Her victory confirmed her ranking as Australia’s greatest female boxer, according to the article.
What testing and procedures were involved after the suspicious testosterone result?
Usanakorn was ordered to undergo hormone testing before the fight. After the bout she denied using anabolic steroids or other drugs and refused comprehensive blood testing that would have more definitively addressed questions about her gender. A report of the medical findings will be forwarded to the WBC’s Mexican headquarters for further investigation.
Which organisations and individuals were involved in handling the allegations?
The World Boxing Council (WBC) was notified and expected to investigate after the WBC secretary Frank Quill said medical findings would be forwarded to the WBC. The Australian Ringside Medicine Association chairman Peter Lewis commented on possible medical explanations, and promoter Brian Amatruda said he had notified the WBC about the irregular test results.
What medical explanations were suggested for Usanakorn’s elevated testosterone levels?
Peter Lewis, chairman of the Australian Ringside Medicine Association, suggested several possibilities: a history of gender transition with estrogen therapy, steroid use, intersex/hermaphrodite conditions, or other medical/endocrine disorders that can raise hormone levels.
How does this case relate to past sports gender controversies like Caster Semenya’s situation?
The article references Caster Semenya’s 2009 case—where Semenya was gender tested after winning the women’s world 800m crown—and notes the IAAF later introduced eligibility rules for female athletes with excessive male hormones. The comparison highlights how hormone and gender questions have prompted investigations and policy changes in elite sport.
Could a boxing controversy like this affect promoters, events or sports organisations from an investment perspective?
Yes. While the article focuses on the facts of this case, it shows how testing controversies can plunge a sport into public debate, prompt investigations by governing bodies, and raise reputational issues for promoters and sanctioning organisations—factors everyday investors may want to consider when evaluating exposure to sports events or related businesses.
What immediate outcome did Usanakorn receive after the fight and how did the promoter respond?
Usanakorn was paid the loser’s purse of $14,400 after losing the fight. Promoter Brian Amatruda said the irregular test results prompted him to notify the WBC before the fight, and he expressed doubts after she repeatedly refused comprehensive testing to clear her name.
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
