World Boxing Implements Mandatory Gender Identity Tests for Fighters: What It Means for the Sport – DW Report (05/30/2025)

World Boxing recently unveiled a new mandate requiring all male and female fighters to undergo sex tests before competing in sanctioned events. This decision is part of a broader effort called the “Sex, Age, and Weight” policy aimed at ensuring the safety and fairness of competitions.

The move comes after a controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif during last year’s Paris Olympics. An Italian opponent refused to fight her, claiming she wasn’t a woman because of her strength. Khelif went on to win gold, but the incident raised significant concerns about the criteria used to classify athletes.

World Boxing is now mandated to check the sex of athletes through testing. They’ve informed the Algerian Boxing Federation that Khelif must pass a sex test before she can compete at the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands.

All national boxing federations will need to verify the sex of their athletes and send certifications to World Boxing. This policy aims to create a level playing field for both men and women.

To conduct these tests, athletes over 18 will undergo a PCR genetic test. This can be done with a mouth or nasal swab, or a blood sample, to identify genetic material that indicates a person’s sex at birth. If genetic results show evidence of male characteristics, the athlete will be referred to specialists for further evaluation.

Khelif intends to defend her Olympic title at the 2028 Los Angeles Games and recently stated, “I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl.” This emphasizes her identity and the complexity surrounding the issue of gender in sports.

The conversation around sex testing in sports isn’t new. Historically, athletes have faced challenges regarding their gender identity, often subjected to scrutiny and controversy. As awareness grows, so does the need for sensitive and fair policies that respect athletes’ identities while ensuring competitive integrity.

As public interest in this topic rises, social media platforms are buzzing with reactions. Many support Khelif and advocate for respectful treatment of all athletes, while others express concerns about fairness in competition.

In summary, World Boxing’s implementation of mandatory sex testing marks a significant step in the ongoing conversation about equality and fairness in sports. As we move forward, the athletic community must find ways to balance regulations with respect for individual identities.

For further reading on gender identity in sports, you can check the International Olympic Committee’s guidelines on the subject here.

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