World Boxing has issued an apology to the Algerian Boxing Federation for identifying Imane Khelif in its announcement regarding the introduction of mandatory sex testing for competitors in all its events.
In a letter viewed by The Associated Press, World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst stated: “I am writing to you personally to offer a formal and sincere apology for this, acknowledging that her privacy ought to have been safeguarded.”
Van der Vorst also expressed his hope that by “reaching out personally, we demonstrate our genuine respect for you and your athletes.”
World Boxing serves as the new international governing body set to oversee boxing at the upcoming Olympic Games.
All boxers, including Imane Khelif, who secured Olympic welterweight gold in the female category at the Paris 2024 Games, will be ineligible to participate in their events until they complete the required testing.
World Boxing had previously informed the Algerian Boxing Federation in writing that Khelif would not be eligible to compete in next month`s Eindhoven Box Cup, or any other World Boxing event, until this test is conducted.
The letter explicitly stated: “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.”
Khelif had received clearance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to compete in the 2024 Olympics, despite her prior disqualification from the 2023 World Championships, managed by the International Boxing Association (IBA). That disqualification was reportedly due to her not meeting gender eligibility criteria. The IBA, which previously governed international boxing, was subsequently expelled from the Olympic movement over concerns regarding its officiating and transparency.
What the Test Entails
World Boxing will utilize a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to determine sex assigned at birth. All athletes aged 18 and over who wish to compete are required to undergo this test.
This test specifically identifies the presence of the SRY gene in genetic material.
The SRY gene is typically found on the Y chromosome, a key factor in the development of male sex characteristics.
The test can be performed using a nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood sample.
World Boxing stated that athletes identified as male at birth, indicated by the presence of Y chromosome genetic material (the SRY gene) or having a difference of sexual development (DSD) resulting in male androgenization, will be eligible to compete in the male category.
In March, Khelif commented: “I perceive myself as a girl, no different from any other. I was born a girl, grew up as a girl, and have always lived as one.”
World Boxing Policy: Ensuring Safety and Fair Play
In a statement, World Boxing announced that the implementation of mandatory testing is part of a new policy addressing sex, age, and weight categories, aimed at guaranteeing the safety of all competitors and providing a fair competitive environment for both men and women.
The statement continued, asserting: “World Boxing respects the dignity of all individuals, and its primary objective is to ensure the safety and competitive fairness for every athlete.”
“To achieve this,” the statement explained, “it is crucial that stringent categories based on sex are upheld and enforced, meaning World Boxing will exclusively conduct competitions for athletes categorized as male or female.”
The policy additionally incorporates an appeals process.
What is DSD?
The NHS defines DSD (differences in sex development) as “a set of rare conditions affecting genes, hormones, and reproductive organs, including genitalia. It signifies that a person`s sexual development differs from that of most other individuals.”
This implies that an individual may possess sex chromosomes typically linked with biological maleness (XY chromosomes) but exhibit reproductive organs and genitalia that appear atypical.
Certain individuals with DSDs are raised female despite having XY sex chromosomes, testosterone levels within the male range, and the capacity to utilize circulating testosterone.
Consequently, it is possible for someone raised as female to develop the athletic advantages typically gained through male puberty.
Additional conditions affecting women, such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and endocrine disorders, can also lead to elevated testosterone levels.
“A Blunt Tool, But One That May Offer Clarity”
Analysis by Sky Sports News Senior Reporter Geraint Hughes:
According to Geraint Hughes, World Boxing might be implementing this for several reasons. One potential motive is to quiet the significant public commentary surrounding the issue.
Hughes noted, “Some boxers were questioning Khelif`s presence in Eindhoven, and there`s considerable animosity, particularly on social media. Therefore, this test could be seen as a blunt, perhaps rather insensitive, method to achieve definitive clarification on the matter.”
He added, “There has been extensive misinformation and inaccurate reporting regarding Khelif. She is not a transgender athlete. Her passport and birth certificate confirm her female sex.”
“If the test results show she has two X chromosomes, is female, and has no DSD, that should conclude the debate,” Hughes commented. “This process could potentially provide clarity one way or another.”
Hughes pointed out, “World Boxing was only recognized as the governing body for amateur and Olympic boxing two months ago, which likely explains why this policy is being introduced now.”
“These next few weeks will be challenging for Khelif, but the process might ultimately bring clarity,” he suggested.
“If a boxer undergoes the test once, and it legally states they are either female or male, ratified by an accredited lab and conducted correctly, one would hope that would definitively resolve the matter,” Hughes stated.
“However, the potential complication is that another test could be administered.”
Murray Blackwood