OLYMPIC boxing gold medalist Imane Khelif will need to undergo genetic sex testing to compete in future events overseen by boxing’s new international governing body.
World Boxing announced on Saturday, May 31 (PH time), that all athletes will now be subject to mandatory sex verification as part of a newly implemented policy. The organization specifically cited Khelif in its announcement, stating she must be tested before being cleared to participate in upcoming competitions, including the Eindhoven Box Cup next month in the Netherlands.
“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,” World Boxing wrote in a statement. Testing will be managed by athletes’ national federations, which are responsible for conducting the screenings and submitting results to World Boxing.
Khelif claimed Olympic gold in Paris last summer, during a tournament that drew attention to her and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting—both of whom had previously faced questions about eligibility. The former governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has been criticized for its long-standing mismanagement and ties to Russia, barred both athletes from the 2023 world championships due to alleged test failures, though the nature of those tests was never disclosed.
The International Olympic Committee stepped in to manage the last two Olympic boxing events following the IBA’s suspension. Under IOC rules, Khelif and Lin were deemed eligible to compete.
Looking ahead to defending her title at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Khelif plans to rejoin international competition next month in Eindhoven. However, her return has already sparked protest from some rival athletes and national boxing federations. / RSC