Mandatory Genetic Sex Verification Introduced Ahead of Women’s World Boxing Championships
Ahead of the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool this September, World Boxing, the governing body for Olympic-style boxing, has announced a new requirement: all fighters competing in the women’s division must undergo genetic sex verification. The tests, based on PCR or equivalent genetic screening, will confirm the presence or absence of the Y chromosome to determine an athlete’s biological sex.
Safety, Fairness, and Inclusivity at the Core
World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst said the organization aims to balance inclusivity with the demands of safety and fairness in combat sports. He stated, “World Boxing respects the dignity of all individuals and is keen to ensure it is as inclusive as possible. Yet in a combat sport like boxing, we have a duty of care to deliver safety and competitive fairness,” explaining those factors guided the development of the testing policy.
How the Policy Works
Athletes with male androgenisation or differences in sex development (DSD) involving male characteristics will be restricted to competing in the men’s division only.
However, athletes who test positive for Y chromosome material but wish to compete in the women’s category may undergo additional evaluation, including:
Extended genetic screening
Hormonal and anatomical assessments
Endocrine examinations by medical specialists
An appeals process is also available for these athletes
National federations are responsible for administering the tests and reporting results to World Boxing.
Background to the Controversy
The move follows backlash against Paris Olympic champion Imane Khelif, who withdrew from a June tournament after initial implementation of these rules. The decision to name her specifically in World Boxing’s announcement prompted apologies from van der Vorst for compromising her privacy.
This return to chromosome-based testing comes after many sports, once common practice, abandoned it in favor of hormone testing due to its complex and often problematic nature. World Athletics also reintroduced such tests earlier this year, signaling a broader shift in sports policy.
The Road Ahead to the 2028 Olympics
World Boxing, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after breaking away from the International Boxing Association, will oversee Olympic qualification leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This policy could set the tone for gender eligibility rules in boxing globally.