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World Boxing, the international federation overseeing Olympic boxing, announced on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland, a new policy on sex, age, and weight, requiring genetic testing to confirm the gender of all athletes, both men and women, in events sanctioned by the organization. Effective July 1, 2025, the measure aims to ensure participant safety and promote fair competition, according to the federation. At the heart of this decision is Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif, who won gold in the women’s 66 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics but now faces suspension from the women’s division until undergoing genetic testing. The move follows controversy over her gender during the Games, with misinformation and questions circulating widely. The federation stated that Khelif is barred from the Eindhoven World Cup, scheduled for June 5 to 10, 2025, and all other events under its purview until the test is completed.

This policy marks a pivotal shift for the sport, as World Boxing, provisionally recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in February 2025, takes charge of boxing for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The rule addresses ongoing debates about gender in sports, heightened by high-profile cases.

  • Policy goal: Ensure safety and equality in competitions.
  • Scope: Applies to all athletes over 18 years old.
  • Required test: PCR genetic testing to determine biological sex.
  • Initial suspension: Questioned athletes barred until confirmation.

The announcement specifies that national federations will conduct the tests, with results submitted to World Boxing for validation. A process for appealing adverse outcomes is also outlined.

New policy reshapes Olympic boxing rules

World Boxing detailed that PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic testing will be mandatory for all athletes over 18 competing in its events or those it sanctions. The method detects genetic material, such as the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, which indicates male sexual characteristics. Athletes identified with this genetic material or conditions of sexual development resulting in male androgenization will be eligible only for the men’s category. Those with XX chromosomes or no SRY gene, or conditions without male androgenization, may compete in the women’s division. National federations are tasked with conducting and submitting the results.

Approved by the World Boxing Executive Council in May 2025, the policy responds to special circumstances demanding immediate rule adjustments. The federation emphasized prioritizing the physical and mental health of competitors and fostering a fair competition environment. Testing will be standardized, using nasal, oral, saliva, or blood samples.

Imane Khelif at the center of controversy

Imane Khelif, a 26-year-old Algerian boxer, became a focal point in gender debates after her gold medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics. During the Games, she faced unfounded claims, including rumors of being transgender, which were debunked. Khelif had competed in women’s events for years, reaching the quarterfinals at the Tokyo 2021 Games without prior issues. However, in 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA), then governing the sport, disqualified her from the World Championships, citing failure to meet gender eligibility criteria, though details were not disclosed.

World Boxing, in its statement, notified the Algerian Boxing Federation that Khelif is suspended from the women’s category until genetic testing is completed. The organization clarified that the decision does not prejudge the test outcome but reflects consistent application of the new rules. The Eindhoven World Cup in June 2025 will be the first major event affected by her suspension.

Rules outline gender eligibility

The new World Boxing policy sets clear criteria for participation in men’s and women’s categories. Athletes will be evaluated based on genetic tests determining biological sex at birth. The focus is on the SRY gene and Y chromosome presence, which define male characteristics. Complex cases, such as differences in sexual development (DSD), will be reviewed by independent experts.

  • Women’s category criteria: Presence of XX chromosomes or absence of Y genetic material.
  • Men’s category criteria: Presence of Y chromosome or male androgenization.
  • Additional exams: DSD cases may require hormonal and anatomical analysis.
  • Responsibility: National federations conduct and certify tests.

The federation stated it will support athletes with adverse results, offering an appeal process. The policy takes effect on July 1, 2025, but already impacts upcoming events like the Eindhoven World Cup.

History of gender debates in boxing

Boxing has grappled with gender issues for years, amplified by cases involving athletes with differences in sexual development. In 2023, the IBA disqualified Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting from the World Championships, citing eligibility test failures. Lack of transparency in the IBA’s process drew criticism, and the IOC, which managed boxing at Paris 2024, allowed both to compete based on prior criteria, including passport gender.

Formed in April 2023 to keep boxing in the Olympic movement, World Boxing gained provisional IOC recognition in February 2025, taking over for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The new testing policy aims to standardize eligibility amid pressure from federations and athletes.

Reactions to Khelif’s suspension

The suspension of Imane Khelif sparked discussion among federations, athletes, and human rights groups. The Algerian Boxing Federation received formal notice from World Boxing on May 30, 2025, stating Khelif cannot compete in the women’s category until genetic testing is done. The athlete, who planned a return at the Eindhoven World Cup, now faces uncertainty.

At the Paris Olympics, Khelif addressed the controversy, affirming she identifies as a woman and had competed in multiple events without issue before her rise to prominence. She won gold in the 66 kg category, defeating China’s Yang Liu in the final on August 9, 2024, at Roland Garros stadium. World Boxing’s decision reignites debates on gender in sports.

Testing procedures detailed

World Boxing explained that PCR genetic testing will be the primary method to determine athletes’ biological sex. The technique, widely used in labs, detects the SRY gene tied to the Y chromosome. Athletes with results indicating male genetic material or DSD with androgenization will be directed to the men’s category.

The process involves key steps:

  • Sample collection: Nasal, oral, saliva, or blood samples.
  • Initial analysis: PCR detects genetic material.
  • Advanced review: Independent experts assess complex cases.
  • Certification: National federations submit results to World Boxing.
  • Appeal: Athletes can contest adverse findings.

The federation stressed that the measure safeguards competitors’ health and safety while promoting fair play. Testing will be mandatory for all events starting July 2025.

Role of national federations

National boxing federations will play a central role in implementing the new policy. Each country must conduct genetic tests and certify athletes’ biological sex before entering them in World Boxing events. Results must be submitted in advance for validation.

Sanctions are planned for federations or athletes failing to comply. If an athlete’s gender is formally questioned, suspension holds until the case is resolved. World Boxing emphasized a fair and transparent process, with support provided to all parties.

Preparation for Eindhoven World Cup

The Eindhoven World Cup, set for June 5 to 10, 2025, will be among the first events affected by the new policy. Imane Khelif, initially entered in the women’s category, is barred until genetic testing is complete. The event, featuring athletes from various nations, will test the new rules’ application.

Other competitors face the same requirement, as testing applies to all over 18. National federations have begun organizing sample collection and result submission. World Boxing anticipates the standardization will bring clarity and consistency to the sport.

Path to Los Angeles 2028 Games

World Boxing took over Olympic boxing to secure its place in the Los Angeles 2028 program. The new sex, age, and weight policy aligns with IOC and international federation demands. The organization aims to establish uniform criteria, addressing calls for clearer eligibility rules.

Gaining provisional IOC recognition in February 2025, World Boxing emerged after the IBA’s disaffiliation due to governance issues. The federation plans to refine policies through 2028, ensuring boxing remains safe and competitive.

Details of the policy in action

The new World Boxing policy, effective July 1, 2025, already influences preparatory events like the Eindhoven World Cup. Athletes with differences in sexual development will be evaluated by independent experts analyzing genetic, hormonal, and anatomical profiles. The federation clarified the measure aims to ensure fair conditions, not exclude competitors.

  • Start date: July 1, 2025.
  • Scope: All proprietary or sanctioned events.
  • Tests: PCR genetic testing for those over 18.
  • Support: Assistance for athletes with adverse results.
  • Goal: Protect health and promote equality.

The federation reserves the right to conduct additional tests on existing or new samples to confirm gender certification. The process addresses demands for transparency and safety in Olympic boxing.

Imane Khelif’s boxing history

Imane Khelif competed in women’s events for years without controversy until 2023, when the IBA disqualified her from the World Championships. The Algerian athlete participated in the Tokyo 2021 Games, reaching the 66 kg quarterfinals. At Paris 2024, she dominated, winning all bouts, including the final against Yang Liu of China on August 9.

The 2023 IBA controversy lacked public detail, and the IOC allowed her Paris participation based on prior criteria. World Boxing’s current suspension renews focus on her case as she awaits genetic testing.

Next steps for World Boxing

World Boxing will monitor the policy’s rollout over the coming months, adjusting procedures if needed. The federation collaborates with national bodies to ensure consistent, timely testing. The Eindhoven World Cup will serve as an initial test for the rules.

Athletes and federations were advised to begin test preparations, prioritizing transparency and safety. World Boxing reiterated its commitment to protecting competitors and fostering a fair, Olympic-aligned competition environment.