Overview

• World Boxing’s new directive requires all athletes over 18 to undergo PCR-based genetic testing to determine their birth gender before sanctioned events.
• Imane Khelif, Algeria’s 2024 Olympic boxing gold medalist, must complete the test before the Eindhoven Box Cup or remain ineligible for women’s competitions.
• Jacques Young, one of the scientists named in the contested medical report, has questioned its authenticity and the Algerian Olympic Committee has dismissed the allegations against Khelif.
• The policy follows the IBA’s 2023 disqualification of Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from the World Championships and the IOC’s decision to clear them for Paris after deeming earlier bans improper.
• High-profile critics including J.K. Rowling and Riley Gaines have intensified calls for Khelif’s medal to be revoked, highlighting broader debates over gender verification and fairness in women’s boxing.