World Boxing is set to implement mandatory sex testing for all boxers participating in its competitions.
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who secured the Olympic welterweight gold medal in the female category at the Paris Games last summer, will be required to undergo this test before she can compete further.
World Boxing has formally notified the Algerian Boxing Federation that Khelif is ineligible for the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in June 2025, or any subsequent World Boxing event, until the required testing is completed.
A letter from World Boxing 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.”
Despite this current requirement, Khelif was cleared to compete at the 2024 Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This followed her disqualification from the 2023 World Championships, organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), due to alleged failure to meet gender eligibility criteria at that time.
Algeria`s Imane Khelif won Olympic welterweight gold in Paris last summer.
Details of the Testing Process
The mandatory test introduced by World Boxing is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test designed to determine sex assigned at birth. All competing athletes over the age of 18 will be required to take it.
The test specifically looks for the presence of the SRY gene.
The SRY gene is predominantly found on the Y chromosome and plays a vital role in the development of male sex characteristics.
Testing can be conducted via a nasal swab, mouth swab, saliva sample, or blood sample.
World Boxing clarified that athletes identified as male at birth, based on the presence of Y chromosome genetic material (the SRY gene) or a diagnosis of a difference of sexual development (DSD) resulting in male androgenization, will be eligible to compete in the male category.
In March, Khelif publicly stated: “I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one.”
Khelif previously won a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships.
World Boxing`s Rationale: Safety and Fair Play
In its official statement, World Boxing explained the policy`s purpose:
“The introduction of mandatory testing will be part of a new policy on sex, age and weight to ensure the safety of all participants and deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women.”
The organization emphasized its commitment to respecting individual dignity while prioritizing athlete safety and competitive fairness.
“To do this,” the statement continued, “it is essential that strict categories determined by sex are maintained and enforced, and means that World Boxing will only operate competitions for athletes categorised as male or female.”
The new policy also includes a mechanism for appeals.
Understanding Differences in Sex Development (DSD)
The NHS defines DSD (differences in sex development) as “a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs, including genitals. It means a person`s sex development is different to most other people`s”.
This can result in someone having sex chromosomes typically associated with being male (XY chromosomes) but with reproductive organs or genitals that appear different from the usual.
Some individuals with DSDs are raised as female but possess XY sex chromosomes, testosterone levels in the male range, and the ability for their bodies to utilize circulating testosterone.
Consequently, it is possible for someone raised as female to experience the physical advantages often associated with male puberty, which can impact athletic performance.
Elevated testosterone levels in women can also be caused by other conditions, such as PCOS and various endocrine issues.
Khelif needs to take the test to continue her boxing career, potentially aiming for the 2028 Olympics.
Murray Blackwood
Reporter`s View: A Tool for Clarification
According to Sky Sports News senior reporter Geraint Hughes, World Boxing may be implementing this policy for several reasons, including addressing the significant controversy and “noise” surrounding the issue, particularly the “hate” seen on social media.
Hughes described the test as potentially “a blunt tool, a rather insensitive but blunt tool to get some final clarification on this.”
He highlighted the widespread misinformation regarding Khelif, clarifying that she is not a transgender athlete and that her passport and birth certificate identify her as female.
Hughes suggested that if the test confirms she has two X chromosomes, is female, and has no DSD, it should definitively resolve the matter and end the argument.
He noted that World Boxing only recently became the recognized governing body for amateur and Olympic boxing, which likely explains the timing of this new policy.
Hughes commented that while this period will be challenging for Khelif, the process hopefully leads to clarity.
He expressed hope that a single, properly conducted test from an accredited lab should provide a clear and final determination of a boxer`s category.
However, he added the caveat that the possibility of another test being requested remains.