Pro athlete 'scared' for female boxers amid change letting trans women in the ring: 'Only a matter of time'

Skateboarder Taylor Silverman says USA Boxing permitting trans fighters in the ring with biological women is "absolutely ridiculous" and will lead to injury — or worse.

A female skateboarder said she felt "grateful" she doesn't compete in a combat sport after hearing about new guidelines allowing transgender boxers to enter the ring with biological females.

"I don't understand how some people view this as progressive. It's absolutely ridiculous," Taylor Silverman, a skateboarder and host of the skateboarding YouTube show "Boonies HQ," told Fox News. "I think even small children understand that boys and men should not be hitting girls and women. It's really simple."

Silverman, 29, first spoke out publicly against allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's leagues in May 2022 after she came in second to trans opponents in two skateboarding competitions. Since then, she's remained outspoken in the heated debate over transgender inclusion in women’s athletics, which in recent years has had a national impact on a wide range of sports including swimming, track and field, weightlifting, cycling, volleyball and golf.

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Boxing is the latest sport to become embroiled in the controversy. A USA Boxing policy went into effect Jan. 1 allowing transgender athletes to fight biological females if they meet certain criteria.

"I think even small children understand that boys and men should not be hitting girls and women. It's really simple."

Silverman, in response, said she "actually felt very grateful that I just skateboard and don’t compete in a sport that is contact or combat."

"It really scared me for the women who are boxing," she added. "Not only is this an issue of them not being