World Boxing cracks down on gender eligibility: Olympic gold medalist barred until sex verification
By isabelle // 2025-06-02
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  • World Boxing mandates sex chromosome testing for Olympic boxers, barring Algeria’s Imane Khelif until verified, citing safety and fairness concerns.
  • Khelif, previously disqualified by the IBA, was controversially cleared by the IOC, sparking outrage after her dominant Paris performance.
  • New PCR testing detects Y chromosomes, restricting athletes with male traits to male categories, with federations facing sanctions for non-compliance.
  • The IOC’s 2023 decision to overrule Khelif’s disqualification drew criticism, with opponents like Italy’s Angela Carini suffering brutal defeats.
  • World Boxing’s policy aligns with track and field reforms, rejecting ideology in favor of science to protect female athletes.
In a landmark move to protect female athletes from unfair and potentially dangerous competition, World Boxing has announced mandatory sex chromosome testing for all Olympic boxers, explicitly barring Algeria’s controversial gold medalist Imane Khelif from competing until she undergoes verification. The new policy, set to take effect July 1, follows explosive outrage over Khelif’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in a mere 46 seconds in a bout that left Carini in tears and reignited global debates over biological males infiltrating women’s sports. Khelif, 25, had previously been disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for failing gender eligibility tests, yet she was inexplicably cleared for the Paris Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Now, World Boxing is drawing a hard line: no more exceptions, no more risks to female athletes.

Safety and fairness should take priority over gender ideology

World Boxing’s new rules mandate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic testing to detect Y chromosome material, which determines biological sex. Athletes with Y chromosomes or differences of sexual development (DSD) that trigger male androgenization will be restricted to the male category. National federations must enforce testing or face sanctions—a critical step to prevent fraudulent certifications. “These new eligibility rules were developed with the express purpose of safeguarding athletes in combat sports, particularly given the physical risks associated with Olympic-style boxing,” World Boxing stated in a letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation. The policy underscores the irreversible physical advantages males hold over females in strength, bone density, and muscle mass — advantages that turn boxing rings into potential danger zones for women. Khelif’s case epitomizes the crisis. Despite Algeria’s claims that she has a medical condition causing high testosterone and XY chromosomes, her dominance in Paris, where she steamrolled opponents, raised glaring red flags. The IBA had already exposed her ineligibility, yet the IOC ignored its own precedent, prioritizing politics over safety.

A history of controversy and cover-ups

The IOC’s decision to overrule the IBA’s disqualification of Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting in 2023 was a slap in the face to female athletes. The IBA, despite being plagued by corruption, had at least enforced sex-based categories. But the IOC, in its zeal for “inclusion,” dismissed credible testing, allowing Khelif to compete solely because her passport listed her as female. The results were predictable. Khelif’s punches carried unmistakable force, leaving Carini shell-shocked and forfeiting their match. President Donald Trump condemned the IOC’s negligence at the time, while advocates like Riley Gaines praised Carini as a “hero” for highlighting the injustice. The backlash forced World Boxing’s hand in a rare victory for truth in sports.

The fight for women’s sports isn’t over

World Boxing’s policy mirrors reforms in track and field, where World Athletics reinstated chromosome testing to preserve fair competition. But the battle extends beyond boxing. The IOC’s lax standards have emboldened activists to erase sex-based categories entirely, putting women at risk in contact sports. Khelif’s lawsuit against critics like Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, who dared to question her eligibility, reveals a chilling trend of silencing dissent rather than addressing valid concerns. But World Boxing’s stance sends a clear message: science, not ideology, will dictate eligibility. As testing begins July 1, the spotlight remains on Khelif. Will she comply? Or will Algeria stonewall, forcing a showdown? Either way, female boxers finally have a governing body willing to defend their rights. World Boxing’s mandate is a watershed moment for women’s sports. By enforcing genetic testing, the organization rejects the IOC’s reckless pandering and prioritizes safety over spectacle. The days of male-bodied athletes dominating female competitions must end, and with this policy, they finally might. For every young girl dreaming of fair competition, this is hope. The ring must belong to women — not imposters. Sources for this article include: RT.com FoxNews.com NYPost.com BBC.com APNews.com
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