World Boxing to Implement Mandatory Sex Tests
World Boxing announced this Friday the implementation of mandatory sex tests for all boxers participating in its competitions. This decision, made by the governing body, will directly affect the Olympic women’s welterweight champion in Paris, Imane Khelif, who will not be able to compete until undergoing such tests. World Boxing, which will be in charge of the boxing competitions at the 2028 Olympic Games, after receiving provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), seeks to ensure a competitive and fair playing field for both men and women.Imane Khelif will not be able to participate in the women’s category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, from June 5 to 10, 2025, nor in any World Boxing event until she undergoes a genetic sex test in accordance with World Boxing rules and procedures.
World Boxing
According to the official statement, all athletes over 18 years of age must undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test. This test will be performed using a sample taken from the nose, mouth, saliva, or blood.
The main objective of the PCR test is to detect specific genetic material, in this case, the SRY gene, which reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, an indicator of biological sex.
