World Boxing apologizes for naming Olympic champion Imane Khelif in sex test policy

The head of World Boxing expressed regret after announcing mandatory sex testing, which singled out Olympic champion Imane Khelif. Khelif, an Algerian boxer who won gold at the Paris Games, was specifically named in the new policy released by World Boxing. The president, Boris van der Vorst, apologized to the Algerian Boxing Federation for the oversight, acknowledging that Khelif’s privacy should have been protected. Van der Vorst reached out personally to extend a formal and sincere apology, aiming to show respect to the federation and its athletes. The controversy arose following scrutiny over Khelif’s eligibility last summer. The International Boxing Association had disqualified Khelif and another gold medalist, Lin Yu-ting, from its 2023 world championships, citing failed eligibility tests. However, the International Olympic Committee cleared both athletes to compete using established sex eligibility rules. World Boxing, set to organize boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, faced pressure to establish sex eligibility standards. As a result, mandatory sex testing for all boxers will be conducted from July 1 to ensure fair competition. The testing will involve a genetic PCR test to determine athletes’ sex at birth, with further evaluations if male chromosomal material is detected in female competitors. Khelif plans to defend her gold medal in L.A., but some opposition has been voiced. She was scheduled to return to international competition at the Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands this month.