World Boxing to Enforce Genetic Sex Tests for Eligibility at Global Competitions
World Boxing has introduced a new eligibility policy requiring athletes to undergo genetic sex testing to compete in its events. From August 20, 2025, boxers over 18 must take a once-in-a-lifetime PCR or equivalent medical screening to verify their sex at birth.
The rules will apply first at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool from September 4 to 14, covering all ten women’s weight divisions. Testing will be extended to men’s events from January 2026.
Ensuring Safety and Fairness
The organisation said the policy is intended to guarantee safety in the ring and provide a fair competitive environment. Athletes will be divided into two categories, male and female, based on genetic results. National federations must certify the eligibility of their boxers when entering them into World Boxing competitions.
Cases that raise questions, including those involving Differences of Sexual Development (DSD), will be referred to a medical panel for further testing, hormone profiles or anatomical reviews. Appeals will be allowed, and athletes will receive support if adverse outcomes are recorded.
President’s Statement
World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst defended the move, stressing the balance between inclusivity and safety.
«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,» he said.
He added that the policy had been shaped over 12 months of medical and legal consultation.
«I am confident that in introducing testing to certify the eligibility of an athlete to compete as a male or female, the new policy will deliver sporting integrity and protect the safety of all participants.»
Fallout from Olympic Controversies
The decision comes after gender eligibility disputes at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won gold in the women’s welterweight category, faced accusations from critics that she should not have competed.
«I am a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman and I competed as a woman,» Khelif said in defence of her identity.
Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who won gold in the featherweight category, also faced questions about her eligibility, while the International Boxing Association drew criticism for its handling of the issue.
After announcing the new rules, World Boxing issued an apology for linking its policy to Khelif. Van der Vorst wrote to the Algerian Boxing Federation:
«Greater effort should have been made to avoid linking the policy to any individual. Her privacy should have been protected.»
The episode has placed Khelif under renewed scrutiny, despite her lifelong identification and competition as a woman.
Kursiv also reports that Kazakh boxer Alisher Abdualym delivered a swift and decisive victory against Uzbekistan’s Asrorbek Rahimov.
