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yesterday

World Boxing imposes mandatory genetic screening, barring Olympic champ Imane Khelif from women's contests

It applies to all boxers over 18 who must pass PCR tests under a new Sex, Age and Weight policy before World Boxing governs boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won the gold medal in the women's welterweight boxing at the Olympics, holds her medal upon her arrival at the airport in Algiers, Algeria August 12, 2024. REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina/File Photo
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Overview

  • World Boxing will require athletes over 18 to undergo PCR genetic tests to determine their sex at birth under the new policy.
  • The Executive Board used special emergency powers in May 2025 to adopt the eligibility rules immediately.
  • In a letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation, Khelif was informed she cannot compete in the female category at the June Eindhoven Box Cup until she passes the screening.
  • Khelif's status has been disputed since her disqualification at the 2023 world championships under IBA rules and her gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Games.
  • Provisional IOC approval for World Boxing to oversee boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games gives the tests far-reaching implications for Olympic eligibility.