World Boxing to Implement Mandatory Sex Testing for Women’s Competitions
World Boxing, the international governing body for the sport of boxing, has announced a new policy requiring mandatory genetic screening to ensure that only females compete in women’s boxing events. The decision follows significant controversy surrounding two Olympic gold medalists, Iman and Lin, who previously failed sex tests and won women’s boxing medals in Paris. The policy aims to prevent similar incidents by verifying athletes’ biological sex through PCR or equivalent medical tests.
President Boris van der Vorst emphasized that while the organization respects the dignity of all individuals, the sport’s nature demands strict adherence to safety and fairness. The new policy, termed ‘Sex Age and Weight,’ has been the subject of extensive review, considering medical, legal, and sporting implications. The policy is expected to be enforced at the upcoming World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, beginning on September 4, 2025.
Under the new policy, national teams will be responsible for conducting the tests and providing certification of their athletes’ chromosomal sex. Athletes who fail to provide this information may be deemed ineligible to compete and could face disciplinary actions against their national teams. The requirement was communicated to member federations prior to the announcement, enabling them to implement the testing process.
The policy was initially proposed in May when World Boxing informed the Algerian Boxing Federation, Khelif’s national team, that she would need to undergo a mandatory sex test to participate in the Eindhoven Box Cup in June. Khelif, however, chose not to attend the event, leading to ongoing debates about the implications of such testing.
President Donald Trump, in an August press conference, acknowledged the need for ‘a strong form of testing’ for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, suggesting potential future changes in how genetic testing might be implemented in international events. The policy reflects a broader trend in sports to address concerns about the participation of male athletes in women’s competitions, highlighting the ongoing discussion around gender identity and athletic fairness.
This development is part of a larger conversation in the sports world about balancing inclusivity with the integrity of competition. As the implementation of the new policy takes shape, its impact on athletes, governing bodies, and the sports community as a whole will continue to be monitored closely.