World Boxing has banned Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif from all competitions pending mandatory gender verification testing, signaling a dramatic shift in how combat sports will address biological differences between competitors.
Key Takeaways
- World Boxing has implemented mandatory gender testing for all athletes competing in its events
- Olympic champion Imane Khelif is barred from female competitions until she completes genetic sex screening
- The new policy uses PCR testing to detect the SRY gene, which indicates the presence of a Y chromosome
- The decision follows controversy at the Paris Olympics and aims to ensure fair competition in combat sports
- An appeals process will be available for athletes with adverse test results
Combat Sport Takes Decisive Stand on Biological Sex
World Boxing has established a watershed policy requiring all boxers to undergo mandatory sex testing before competing in sanctioned events. The governing body announced that genetic verification will be required for all participants to ensure competitive fairness, particularly in women’s divisions where physical differences can create significant safety concerns. This groundbreaking decision comes after several high-profile controversies in women’s boxing that sparked international debate about the balance between inclusion and competitive integrity in combat sports.
The immediate impact of this policy has fallen on Paris Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif, who has been barred from upcoming competitions pending testing results. According to the official statement, “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.
Science-Based Testing Methodology
The verification process established by World Boxing relies on established genetic science rather than subjective criteria. Athletes over 18 years old must submit to a PCR genetic test that can be administered through various non-invasive methods including nasal swabs, mouth swabs, saliva samples, or blood tests. This approach focuses specifically on biological markers that determine physiological advantages in combat sports, where strength, bone density, and muscle mass differences can create dangerous competitive imbalances.
“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,” stated World Boxing.
While the testing methodology has been clearly outlined, the organization has promised to maintain athlete privacy throughout the process. The focus on the SRY gene represents a straightforward approach to determining biological sex without delving into the more complex areas of hormone levels or physical characteristics that have complicated gender verification in other sports. This science-based approach reflects the unique nature of combat sports, where biological advantages can create not just competitive inequity but genuine safety concerns.
Olympic Controversy Drives Policy Change
The policy implementation follows significant controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in the Paris Olympics, where she won gold despite having previously failed gender eligibility testing conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2023. The IBA disqualification did not prevent Olympic participation because the International Olympic Committee had stripped the IBA of its recognition due to governance issues. This created a regulatory gap that World Boxing, which formed as an alternative governing body, is now addressing with clear eligibility criteria.
“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,” stated World Boxing.
The policy also includes provisions for appealing test results and supporting athletes who may be affected by adverse findings. This balanced approach acknowledges the potential impact on athletes while prioritizing the safety and competitive integrity that form the foundation of fair sporting competition. With Khelif expressing intentions to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this policy could significantly affect the landscape of international boxing competitions moving forward.
Setting a Precedent for Combat Sports
World Boxing’s decision represents a potential turning point for how combat sports address the complex intersection of gender, biology, and fair competition. By establishing clear scientific criteria for participation categories, the organization has created a framework that prioritizes both competitive balance and athlete safety. The policy acknowledges the unique nature of combat sports, where biological differences can create not just competitive advantages but genuine physical risks for competitors.
#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
While critics have raised concerns about privacy implications and potential discrimination, supporters point to the legitimate safety considerations that drive these policies in combat sports. The focus on objective genetic markers rather than subjective physical characteristics provides a clear standard that can be applied consistently across competitions. As other combat sports federations watch the implementation of this policy, World Boxing’s approach may establish a new standard for how contact sports balance inclusion with competitive integrity.
