Frank Maloney: trans news sparks shock, support and humour
Jokes and encouragement greet news that former boxing promoter is living as a woman called Kellie
The boxing world has reacted with a mixture of surprise and compassion to the news that the promoter formerly known as Frank Maloney is living as a woman. Maloney, who helped Lennox Lewis become World Heavyweight Champion, is undergoing treatment for gender realignment and is now known as Kellie.
The 61-year-old told the Sunday Mirror: "I wasn't born into the right body. I have always known I was a woman. I can't keep living in the shadows."
The revelation has caused widespread comment in the boxing community but reaction to it has been almost universally supportive.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Writing on his Facebook page, Lennox Lewis admitted he was "shocked" by the news and admitted his "initial thought was that it was a wind-up". But Lewis added: "I respect Kellie's decision and say that if this is what brings about true happiness in her life, than so be it."
Former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson also took a supportive stance, telling Maloney: "It's your life, don't make others stop who you are. Ignorance is the problem of others, not yours."
Maloney's mother Maureen took a humorous approach, asking: "Why didn't you come to me when you were younger? All we had to do was change the 'I' to an 'E' in your name, Francis."
Other commenters also broached the subject with humour.
"So Frank Maloney has swapped boxing gloves for chiffon gloves!" quipped the colourful football agent Eric Hall. But he added: "Jokes aside he's an old mate and it took guts to come out. Good luck Kellie."
Despite the generally positive tenor of messages from the boxing community, not everyone welcomed Maloney's decision. "Well, I am in deep shock," boxing trainer Charlie Rumble posted on Facebook. "My old pal Frank Maloney has had a sex change. It's true I'm afraid it's in the papers today."
But the overwhelming response was supportive. TalkSport broadcaster and former footballer Stan Collymore wrote on Twitter: "I wish Frank Maloney, now Kellie all the very best. Being who he wants to be after 61 years. Nobody deserves to begrudge him happiness."
And boxing fan Irvine Welsh, the author of Trainspotting and Filth, said: "All the best to Kellie, formerly Frank Maloney, in her new life. Great achievements happen in boxing, as elsewhere, irrespective of gender."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Muhammad Ali: Stars descend on Louisville for funeral service
Speed Read Thousands of fans invited to interfaith memorial service that boxer spent years planning
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Aston Villa's Agbonlahor suspended over 'party'
Speed Read Relegated club hit by more chaos as veteran striker is pictured surrounded by laughing gas canisters
By The Week Staff Published
-
Raheem Sterling: will he be the new Collymore or Carroll?
In Depth The title of most expensive English footballer is not always a guarantee of success, for the player or his club
By The Week Staff Published
-
Balotelli to Fowler: Liverpool's history of controversial strikers
In Depth 'Bonkers' Mario Balotelli will not be the first bad boy to play up front at Anfield
By The Week Staff Published
-
Collymore a 'vile hypocrite' over Twitter says Ulrika Jonsson
Speed Read Former footballer quits social networking site after his former partner, who he abused, speaks out
By The Week Staff Published
-
Collymore accuses Twitter over racism and death threats
Speed Read Celebrities back pundit as he is trolled again after claiming Suarez dived for penalty
By The Week Staff Published