World Boxing has announced a new policy requiring mandatory sex testing for athletes wishing to compete in any women’s events sanctioned by the organization. This announcement came amid ongoing controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who must now undergo this testing to maintain her eligibility to compete.
Khelif, who claimed gold in the women’s 66kg category at the recent Olympic Games, had previously faced disqualification from the 2023 world championships organized by the International Boxing Association due to questions regarding her eligibility based on sex criteria. Despite these challenges, she was cleared to compete at the Olympics, where she achieved notable success.
The new rules, introduced by World Boxing, are intended to verify the sex of athletes to ensure fairness and safety within the sport. The governing body will require all athletes aged 18 and above, who want to participate in their competitions, to undergo a PCR genetic test designed to determine their sex at birth. This test specifically looks for genetic markers such as the presence of the Y chromosome and the SRY gene, which are typically associated with male development.
World Boxing stated that until Khelif complies with the testing, she will not be permitted to compete in upcoming events, including the June Eindhoven Box Cup or any other women’s competitions under their authority. They also noted that should a challenge arise from either the Algerian boxing federation or from within World Boxing itself regarding Khelif’s sex certification, she will remain ineligible until the dispute is resolved.
The rationale behind these new rules is to maintain a competitive and safe environment for all participants. World Boxing emphasized the importance of creating a level playing field, acknowledging that differences in biological sex and hormone levels can impact competition outcomes and athlete safety. This policy is part of a broader initiative that also includes guidelines on age and weight, aimed at ensuring fair competition.
Imane Khelif has spoken publicly about her experience, highlighting the personal impact of the controversy. She expressed frustration over the scrutiny she has faced since beginning to achieve significant success in her sport. Khelif identifies fully as a woman, stating that she was born and raised female and has lived her entire life as a girl. She pointed out that she has competed in numerous major international tournaments without issue until her recent successes drew increased attention and challenges.
The policy underscores the complex and sensitive nature of sex classification in sports. Issues around gender identity, biological sex, and fairness in competition have been the subject of heated debate in various sports globally. World Boxing’s move to introduce mandatory sex testing reflects an effort to address these concerns with clear and enforceable rules.
Athletes identified as male at birth based on genetic testing including those with differences of sexual development (DSD) involving male androgenization will only be eligible to compete in male categories. This clarification aims to define eligibility criteria more strictly, with the intention of protecting female athletes’ opportunities and safety in competition.
This decision comes as World Boxing prepares to oversee the boxing competitions at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making it critical to have standardized regulations that align with international sports governance standards. The governing body’s new policy is expected to influence the sport significantly by setting a precedent on how sex and gender-related eligibility issues are managed in boxing at the highest levels.
While this approach aims to resolve ongoing disputes and ensure fairness, it also raises questions about the balance between inclusivity, privacy, and competitive integrity in sport. The broader conversation around sex verification tests continues across the athletic world, with differing perspectives on the best way forward to respect both human rights and competitive fairness.
In the immediate term, Imane Khelif remains sidelined until she undergoes the mandated testing and any subsequent disputes are resolved, illustrating the real-world impact of these evolving policies on athletes’ careers.
