Boxer Rob Newbiggin announced he will finally undergo a sex change and is hoping to continue boxing after getting a license to compete as a woman, Mercedes. Rob claims to have been born intersexual, which means he can’t be classified as a male or female, with the physical characteristics of a man but high estrogen levels.

Rob was put up for adoption and his adoptive father, who talked him into boxing because it was a “manly” thing to do. Rob says he lost most of his friends after his sex change plans were revealed by tabloid.

Rob said: “My dad said I had to act like a man because people would not accept me as anything else, so I started boxing at the YMCA at about the age of 12.

“He was trying to protect me. I did not find out I was adopted until I was 16 and then about how I was born, but then it all starting making sense. From the age of 10, I was dressing up and watching girls – I preferred girls’ company.

“I have never drunk alcohol and while all my friends were going out chasing girls and getting drunk, I was a bit of a recluse.

“My dad started steering me into painting, which I enjoyed. I was still boxing, but I was not into all that bodybuilding stuff. Most men want to bulk up but I was relieved when I lost weight.

“I have lost two stone since last year but I am keeping up my strength for my fight against Michael Gomez. It will be over six rounds at the Ritz in Manchester on August 14.

“It will be my last fight as a man, but I am hoping to get a licence to fight as a female.”

Rob, who is preparing for his last fight as a male on August 14, is the father of three children and is currently married to a 27 year-old very supportive woman named Emma. The 44 year-old boxer will have to take female hormones and undergo a psychological assessment before the surgery to become Mercedes.

Rob Newbiggin Pictures