Imane Khelif, the Algerian Olympic boxing champion, is now required to undergo mandatory genetic sex testing to continue competing in world boxing events. This new rule was announced by World Boxing, the sport’s governing body, which introduced compulsory sex examinations for all boxers over 18 years old participating in its competitions.
Khelif won the women’s welterweight gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her victory sparked controversy due to previous allegations about her gender eligibility.
In 2023, she was disqualified from the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships over unspecified eligibility tests. The IBA claimed she failed gender-related tests, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared her to compete in Paris, confirming she was born female and met all eligibility criteria.
World Boxing’s new policy specifically mentions Khelif and bars her from competing in the female category at any upcoming events, including the Eindhoven Box Cup in June 2025, until she completes the genetic sex screening. The organisation has notified the Algerian Boxing Federation of this decision.
This testing is part of a broader “Sex, Age and Weight” policy aimed at ensuring safety and fairness in boxing competitions. The tests involve PCR genetic screening to verify athletes’ sex at birth. National federations are responsible for administering the tests and reporting results to the World Boxing Organisation.
Khelif’s case has been highly contentious. After her 2023 disqualification by the IBA, which alleged she had XY chromosomes, no public evidence has supported these claims. The IOC criticised the IBA’s handling of the situation as flawed and lacking due process. Khelif herself described the disqualification as part of a “big conspiracy” and has since focused on legal actions and public appearances.
World Boxing’s decision reflects growing pressure to protect women’s sports and maintain fair competition. Advocates expressed concerns about Khelif’s participation without genetic verification. The governing body emphasised that mandatory testing is essential to safeguard all athletes and ensure a level playing field.
Khelif, born in 1999 in Algeria, has had a remarkable career. She was the first female boxer to represent Algeria at the Olympics in 2020 and has won multiple international medals, including gold at the Mediterranean Games and African Amateur Boxing Championships. Despite setbacks, she remains a prominent figure in boxing.
Although Imane Khelif faces a suspension from competing in the female boxing category until she undergoes and passes the newly mandated genetic sex test by the World Boxing Organisation. This development continues the debate over gender eligibility in sports and highlights the evolving regulations in boxing ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which World Boxing will organise.