World Boxing, the global governing body for the sport, has announced a significant new policy: mandatory genetic sex testing for all boxers participating in its competitions. This move, declared on Friday, is designed to ensure a competitive and fair playing field for both male and female athletes.
The new mandate directly impacts athletes like Paris Olympics women’s welterweight champion Imane Khelif, who will not be permitted to compete until she undergoes this new testing procedure. As World Boxing prepares to oversee boxing competitions in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, having received provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), this policy marks a pivotal step in their commitment to integrity in the sport.
Imane Khelif and the New Regulations
The implementation of mandatory sex testing has immediate implications for prominent athletes, including Imane Khelif.
Eligibility Requirements for Khelif
World Boxing has specifically stated that “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.” This firm stance underscores the organization’s determination to apply the new rules uniformly.
The Algerian Boxing Federation has been formally notified of this requirement, emphasizing that Khelif’s participation in future events hinges on the completion and verification of her genetic sex test.
Understanding the Genetic Testing Process
The newly introduced testing protocol for all athletes over the age of 18 involves a specific genetic test to determine biological sex.
The PCR Test for SRY Gene Detection
World Boxing mandates a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test. This advanced laboratory technique is designed to detect specific genetic material, crucial for determining an individual’s biological sex. The test can be conveniently conducted using various samples, including a nasal swab, a mouth swab, saliva, or a blood sample.
The core of this test lies in its ability to identify the SRY gene. As explained by World Boxing, the SRY gene “reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex.” The presence or absence of this gene, located on the Y chromosome, is a key determinant in biological sex.
This rigorous genetic screening aims to provide a clear and objective measure for categorizing athletes, ensuring that competition categories are based on biological sex for reasons of safety and fair play. National federations will be responsible for administering these tests and providing certified results to World Boxing for their athletes to be eligible for competition.
Goals of the New Policy: Safety and Fairness
World Boxing’s introduction of mandatory sex testing is rooted in fundamental principles of athletic competition.
Ensuring a Level Playing Field
The governing body’s primary objective is to “deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women.” In combat sports like boxing, biological differences can significantly impact performance and safety. By implementing clear, scientifically-backed criteria for sex determination, World Boxing aims to minimize any potential unfair advantages and protect the well-being of all participants.
This policy is part of a broader strategy to maintain strict categories determined by sex, ensuring that both male and female categories are composed of athletes with consistent biological characteristics relevant to competitive boxing. The organization explicitly states that its overriding priority is to “ensure safety and competitive fairness to all athletes.”
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