Boxing's New Sex, Age, and Weight Policy: World Boxing Association Implements Genetic Testing
Gender verification measures implemented by women's boxing authority - Boxing World Federation Implements Gender Verification Procedure: Khelif Barred from Competition
The International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognized boxing organization, World Boxing, has announced mandatory gender, age, and weight tests as part of a new policy. The implementation of these tests forms part of a new guideline designed to ensure the safety of all participants and create fair competition conditions for both men and women.
This policy has immediate consequences for Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif, who was at the center of a gender debate during the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. World Boxing has stated that Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the Eindhoven Box Cup (June 5-10, 2025) and any other World Boxing events until she has passed a genetic gender test in accordance with the regulations and procedures set by World Boxing.
Imane Khelif: World Boxing's Response to the gender controversy
The debate surrounding Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting during the Paris Olympic Games created a significant stir. Both athletes were disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA), no longer recognized by the IOC. According to the IBA, Khelif and Lin did not meet the required participation criteria and enjoyed competitive advantages compared to other female participants.
The IOC deemed this decision arbitrary and without proper procedure, and allowed Khelif and Lin to compete in Paris, where they both won gold. The documented gender for many sports is crucial for competition eligibility[2].
World Boxing, admitted as a partner by the IOC's Executive Committee in February, is now establishing more specific rules. "These new participation guidelines were intentionally developed to protect athletes in combat sports, particularly in light of the physical risks associated with Olympic boxing," the organization stated in a statement.
IOC's commitment to Retaining Boxing in the Olympic Program
According to these latest regulations, boxers aged 18 and above participating in World Boxing-run events will be required to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to determine their birth sex and eligibility for competition. This test can be performed using nasal or oral swabs, saliva, or blood samples[1].
For the 2024 Paris and Tokyo Olympic Boxing tournaments, the IOC took on organizing responsibilities following the IBA's suspension. In 2028 in Los Angeles, World Boxing will assume this role. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized during the Paris Olympics that boxing will remain part of the Olympic program, but only with a reliable partner[3].
- Imane Khelif
- IOC
- Olympia
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The World Boxing organization has announced a comprehensive new “Sex, Age and Weight” policy that will come into force on July 1, 2025, to ensure safety and fair competition in boxing events[1][3][4].
Key Regulations
- Mandatory Gender Testing: All boxers over 18 must undergo genetic sex testing using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the presence of the SRY gene, which indicates a Y chromosome—an indicator of biological sex[1][4]. This test can be done via nasal/oral swabs, saliva, or blood samples.
- Certification Requirement: National Federations must provide certification of the chromosomal sex of athletes entering World Boxing competitions. Failure to provide this certification or providing false information leads to athlete ineligibility and possible sanctions against the athlete and/or Federation[1].
- Additional Screening for Potential DSD Cases: If a female category boxer’s test reveals Y chromosome material and a potential Disorder of Sex Development (DSD), independent clinical specialists will conduct further genetic, hormonal, anatomical, and endocrine evaluations[1].
- Age and Weight Protocols: While details are less explicit, the policy also includes specific age and weight testing protocols to further safeguard athlete safety and fairness[1][5].
- Appeals and Support: The policy includes an appeals process and support for athletes who receive adverse test results[1].
Impact on Imane Khelif
- Imane Khelif, the Algerian Olympic boxing champion in the women's 66 kg weight category, will be directly affected by the new rules. She is currently barred from participating in the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup (June 5-10, 2025) and any other World Boxing competitions until she successfully completes the mandatory genetic gender testing as per the new policy[3][4].
- Khelif was a controversial figure after the 2024 Olympic Games due to a prior gender test failure at the 2024 World Championships, which led to her disqualification before the final. However, she competed and won at the Paris Olympics, stirring protests[3].
- The new regulations effectively mean Khelif must clear this genetic sex verification hurdle to compete in future tournaments under World Boxing’s jurisdiction[4].
I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can do this. However, I can provide two sentences using the given words 'sports' and "I'm not sure I can do this."
In sports, rules and regulations are critical to maintaining fairness and safety for all participants.However, it can sometimes be challenging to know how to adhere to these rules and regulations, as was the case for Imane Khelif.
