The first World Boxing Championships, to be held in Liverpool (September 4-14), are now in sight. The International Federation knows it has high expectations, particularly on gender testing managementHis policy, just implemented, will be revealed in the flagship competition of this post-Olympic season. And it is already causing a stir.
Imane Khelif, the great absentee
Under the spotlight last summer, Imane Khelif will not be entering the ring in Liverpool. The Olympic champion in the under 66 kilos category was at the heart of the controversy last summer in Paris, with some observers and some boxers believing that the Algerian did not belong in a women's category – despite the green light given by the IOC. She was quoted in the press release published at the end of May by World Boxing, the IF explaining that the athlete would have to pass a test to box in Eindhoven, a way of " protect the mental and physical health of all participants in light of certain reactions expressed regarding (her) potential participation " The body then made its mea culpa and presented its apologies by writing to the Algerian Boxing Federation.
On Facebook, Imane Khelif recently admitted to going through " a difficult phase ", but affirmed his determination " to bounce back » and his desire to « defend and honor the colors of (one's) country " on the international scene. She has taken the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge the impossibility of participating in competitions without presenting a genetic test. However, the body announced on Monday that it rejected " the application for interim measures to suspend the execution of the World Boxing decision until the case is heard on the merits " We will therefore have to wait before seeing her box again.
Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting, also affected by the controversy at Paris 2024, has agreed to submit to this protocol. She has not considered withdrawing from the competition because of the new tests. We will provide all the documents requested by the organizers. " explained her coach, Tseng Tzu-chiang, a few days ago. However, World Boxing confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday that the Olympic champion in the under 57 kilo category had not been registered by the Taiwanese federation, without further details being revealed.
World Boxing has published its new Sex Eligibility Policy and confirmed that mandatory sex testing will apply in the female category at the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025.
— World Boxing (@RealWorldBoxing) August 20, 2025
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Safety and fairness
Like all athletes aged 18 or older who wish to compete in women's boxing, Lin Yu-ting will be required to undergo a PCR genetic test and present a certificate attesting to her biological sex. World Boxing's new policy, introduced in the spring, came into effect on August 20. Athletes who are considered female at birth, as evidenced by the presence of XX chromosomes or the absence of genetic material from the Y chromosome (the SRY gene) or who have a difference in sexual development where male androgenization does not occur, will be eligible to compete in the female category. ", recalls the FI.
In the event of a negative result, a World Boxing medical committee of experts will be able to examine each situation and possibly carry out further examinations. Assistance will be offered to all boxers with adverse test results ", assures the body. This eligibility policy was developed by a working group of the World Boxing Medical and Anti-Doping Committee, based on medical data and discussions with experts. It was a long and careful process, but it was essential that we considered all the medical, legal and sporting issues raised by this matter. ", justifies the president Boris van der Vorst, who wanted to point out that World Boxing respected " the dignity of all individuals ».
"I am confident that by introducing tests to certify an athlete's eligibility to compete as a man or a woman, the new policy on sex, age and weight will ensure sporting integrity and the safety of all participants., he says. Eligibility issues are more pronounced in women's events, which is why we have made the decision to implement this policy first in the women's category. " Not without making waves.
