World Boxing has barred Olympic champion Imane Khelif from future competitions until she submits to mandatory genetic sex testing, part of a sweeping new policy designed to protect female athletes in the combat sport.
Key Takeaways
- World Boxing has implemented mandatory gender verification testing for all competitors, requiring genetic screening to determine biological sex.
- Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is specifically barred from competing until she completes the required testing.
- The policy follows controversy at the Paris Olympics and aims to establish clear guidelines for male and female competition categories.
- Tests will detect the SRY gene (indicating Y chromosome presence) through PCR testing via swab, saliva, or blood samples.
- An appeals process will be available for athletes with adverse test results, with promised support and privacy protections.
Protecting Fair Competition in Combat Sports
World Boxing’s introduction of mandatory sex testing for all competitors marks a significant step toward ensuring fair competition in a sport where physical differences can have serious consequences. The governing body announced the policy following high-profile controversies at the Paris Olympics, particularly surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. The new regulations will require all boxers over 18 to undergo genetic testing via PCR to detect the SRY gene, which indicates the presence of a Y chromosome and determines biological sex. This approach aims to create a level playing field while addressing safety concerns inherent to combat sports.
“The organization claims that the goal of the new policy is to establish a uniform framework for determining eligibility in both male and female categories,” said World Boxing in their announcement.
The policy specifically targets Olympic champion Khelif, who previously failed an International Boxing Association gender eligibility test last year but was permitted to compete in Paris. World Boxing has taken a firm stance on the matter, declaring that “Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.”
#UPDATE World Boxing says it will launch mandatory gender testing to determine the eligibility of male and female athletes for its competitions. The policy comes after a furor surrounding Olympic women's gold medallist Imane Khelif.https://t.co/Vxr0Mpyvln #AFPSports pic.twitter.com/VCxtV89GCF
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 30, 2025
Testing Procedures and Implementation
The testing methodology chosen by World Boxing involves a straightforward but scientifically valid approach to sex verification. “The PCR test is a laboratory technique used to detect specific genetic material, in this case the SRY gene, that reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex,” World Boxing explained in their announcement. This can be conducted via nasal or mouth swabs, saliva samples, or blood tests, offering multiple options for compliance while maintaining scientific rigor.
While the organization has not disclosed all specifics of the testing procedure, they have committed to following globally accepted ethical and medical standards. The policy promises to uphold athletes’ dignity and privacy throughout the process, recognizing the sensitive nature of such testing. Additionally, World Boxing has indicated that an appeals process will be established, and support will be offered to any boxers who receive adverse test results, acknowledging the potential impact on athletes’ careers and well-being.
Balancing Safety and Inclusion
The new policy has generated significant debate about the balance between competitive fairness and personal privacy in sports. Proponents argue that in a combat sport like boxing, where physical attributes directly impact safety, biological sex verification is essential to protect female competitors. The risks inherent to Olympic-style boxing—including potential for serious injury—make these considerations particularly relevant. World Boxing has emphasized that the regulations focus primarily on the health and safety of all participants and do not pre-judge the outcome of any testing.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential violations of athletes’ rights and privacy, suggesting that such policies could deter participation, especially among transgender and DSD (differences of sexual development) individuals. Human rights campaigners have called for greater transparency and consultation before implementing such far-reaching measures. The controversy highlights the ongoing challenge sports governing bodies face in establishing policies that simultaneously protect competitive integrity, athlete safety, and individual dignity in an evolving landscape of gender and identity in sports.
Looking Forward
World Boxing is expected to provide additional instructions and guidelines before the next major international competition. The organization’s stance represents a significant shift in how combat sports address gender verification, potentially influencing other sporting bodies facing similar challenges. Meanwhile, Khelif has expressed intentions to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, setting up a potential conflict between different governing bodies’ approaches to gender eligibility. As sports organizations continue to navigate these complex issues, the ongoing conversation about fairness, safety, and inclusion in athletics will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of sporting policy debates.
