World Boxing has barred Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif from future competitions until she submits to mandatory sex testing, igniting a fierce debate about biological fairness in combat sports.
Key Takeaways
- World Boxing has implemented mandatory gender testing for all athletes, with specific PCR testing to detect the Y chromosome
- Olympic champion Imane Khelif is prohibited from competing in any World Boxing events until she completes genetic sex screening
- The policy follows Khelif’s controversial participation in the Paris Olympics after reportedly failing a previous gender eligibility test
- World Boxing promises to maintain athlete dignity and privacy while providing an appeals process for adverse results
- The new regulations aim to ensure safety and fairness in combat sports where physical advantages could pose serious risks
Restoring Fairness in Women’s Boxing
World Boxing has taken decisive action to protect the integrity of women’s boxing by introducing mandatory sex testing for all competitors. This groundbreaking policy requires athletes over 18 to undergo PCR genetic testing to detect the SRY gene, which indicates the presence of a Y chromosome and confirms biological sex. The testing can be completed via nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood sample, providing scientific clarity to what has become a contentious issue in combat sports where physical advantages can lead to dangerous mismatches.
The organization has emphasized that these measures are specifically designed to establish “a uniform framework for determining eligibility in both male and female categories,” according to World Boxing’s official statement. This framework prioritizes athlete safety while maintaining competitive balance in a sport where physical disparities can result in serious injury. The policy represents a return to common-sense standards that recognize the fundamental biological differences between men and women in athletics.
Great to see progress to the point such a press release is quite simple and informative. We know @RealWorldBoxing will only categorize by sex and the definitions of male, female, men and women and how they will enforce their policy.
đ âsporting genderâ -> â°ď¸ https://t.co/F92TcA3Wsv pic.twitter.com/FY6J9mLuVu
— Alison Sydor đđťđ¸ (@AlisonSydor) May 30, 2025
Olympic Controversy Prompts Action
The new regulations come in direct response to the controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s participation in the Paris Olympics, where she won a gold medal despite previously being disqualified from the International Boxing Association (IBA) competitions after reportedly failing gender eligibility tests. World Boxing has now specifically barred Khelif from competing in the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup and all future World Boxing events until she completes the required genetic screening, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to enforcing biological standards.
“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,” stated World Boxing officials.
The testing protocol has been clearly defined to eliminate any ambiguity about biological sex determination. According to World Boxing, “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.” This science-based approach removes subjective judgments from eligibility decisions and provides clear standards for competition categories.
Balancing Rights with Responsibility
World Boxing has committed to implementing these protocols with appropriate sensitivity, promising to uphold athletes’ dignity and privacy throughout the testing process. The organization has also established an appeals procedure for boxers who receive adverse test results and will offer support services to affected athletes. These measures demonstrate a thoughtful approach to a complex issue, recognizing both the imperative of fairness and the need for compassionate implementation of necessary standards.
While progressive activists have predictably criticized the policy as potentially violating athletes’ rights, the reality is that combat sports present unique concerns that cannot be ignored. When biological males compete against females in boxing, the risk of serious injury increases dramatically due to fundamental physiological differences in bone density, muscle mass, and striking power. World Boxing’s policy prioritizes the safety and competitive integrity that the vast majority of female athletes have been demanding.
President Trump’s consistent defense of women’s sports is reflected in this policy, which ensures that female boxers can compete on a level playing field without facing opponents with inherent biological advantages. As Khelif reportedly intends to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this testing framework establishes clear standards that protect legitimate competition while maintaining respect for all participants in the sport of boxing.
