World Gay Boxing Championships founder: Andrew Tate’s Misfits CEO role risks normalising homophobia in the sport I love
Opinion: "Boxing's values are courage, integrity and respect. I call on the leaders of the boxing world to uphold these values," writes Martin Stark
By Martin Stark
In 2020, I founded the nonprofit World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC) to disrupt homophobia in the sport I love. Now homophobia in boxing is much harder to solve. Andrew Tate was appointed CEO of Misfits Boxing at the end of October. One of the most powerful companies in the sport.
Influencers have upended boxing. 108 million viewers watched Mike Tyson and Jake Paul‘s fight live on Netflix earlier this year. The most streamed sporting event in history. Paul and Anthony Joshua are rumoured to be finalising a $200m deal to fight in December.
Misfits was founded by YouTuber KSI, his manager Mams Taylor, and boxing promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland. They stage influencer boxing matches streamed exclusively on DAZN, featuring names like Logan Paul, Tommy Fury, and Conor McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis. Collectively, Misfits and their fighters wield considerable influence. They can help shape whether our community is accepted, rejected or hated in boxing and sport.
“I’m seriously concerned Tate’s appointment will increase and normalise homophobia in boxing, particularly online”
Less than a month as Misfits CEO, Tate is already engaging in homophobia with impunity. Former UFC star Darren Till was negotiating to fight Tate at a Misfits event. After the fight collapsed, heavyweight homophobia was unleashed. It began was Till violated X’s hateful conduct rules, saying: “That’s not even gay. That’s proper fcking smelly [expletive] gear with several f@ggots slurs thrown in for good measure.” Tate responded telling IFLTV that Till “started tweeting his “attempt to get the fight was pretty gay.”
I envisage Misfits will be highly successful with Tate as CEO, holding bigger events with much larger audiences. But will homophobia now be given free rein? Who will address it when the boss weaponises it and has the company’s support? Misfits Boxing President Mams Taylor has defended the appointment. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Taylor said: “I think for Andrew, this is a perfect role. He’s incredibly articulate and he embodies the Misfits spirit.”
I’m seriously concerned Tate’s appointment will increase and normalise homophobia in boxing, particularly online. Homophobia in sport is increasing. Openly gay footballer Josh Cavallo reports receiving daily death threats. Tate’s elevation to CEO will embolden homophobic fans to perpetrate hate unimpeded.
Homophobia is deeply rooted in the culture of hypermasculine sport. Recent research shows half of American LGBTQ adults experienced mistreatment in sport, and 76% of Australian gay men witnessed homophobia. WGBC’s own research shows over 90% of LGBTQ+ boxers consider homophobia a problem in boxing. Almost two-fifths have experienced bullying or harassment where they train or compete.
“How DAZN acts determines if their allyship is genuine. Doing nothing risks being perceived as a performative ally”
Tate’s appointment presents both a paradox and a dilemma for DAZN, which holds exclusive broadcast rights to all Misfits Boxing events under a five-year deal signed in January 2023. DAZN has continued broadcasting Misfits events since Tate’s appointment.
The paradox: DAZN has made Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and LGBTQ+ allyship central to its brand, whilst Tate has built his following on anti-woke rhetoric. The dilemma: how will DAZN live up to its brand promises and handle homophobia in boxing and sport?
In their 2021 Social Impact report, DAZN CEO Shay Segev declared: ‘Sport has the power to unite, to inspire, and transform lives. Love of sport transcends social, cultural, and religious barriers. It is inclusive.’ The report highlighted inclusion initiatives including the Proud @DAZN Employee Resource Group and corporate partnership with MyGWork.
DAZN’s former head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion told Attitude that brands need to be careful their statements match their behaviour. He warned against companies claiming to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community while homophobic language remains prevalent on the playing field, in the locker room, and stands.
How DAZN acts determines if their allyship is genuine. Doing nothing risks being perceived as a performative ally.
Boxing’s values are courage, integrity and respect. I call on the leaders of the boxing world to uphold these values: boxers, broadcasters, governing bodies, coaches, and promoters. The sport I love must be a place where LGBTQ+ people and everyone are welcomed. A sport where bullying and homophobia are rejected, not rewarded.
Martin Stark is the founder and CEO of World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC). He established WGBC in 2020 as a not‑for‑profit aimed at increasing LGBTQ+ participation in boxing and tackling homophobia and transphobia in the sport.
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