Rising amateur global governing body, World Boxing, is preparing to introduce particularly sensitive testing measures in the lead-up to their upcoming set of organized events: gender/sex testing. While the testing procedures are still in development, World Boxing appears to be heading towards a beneficial yet controversial course as Algerian Olympic gold medalist has been notified of the necessity to undergo testing if she were to compete in any of World Boxing’s events.
World Boxing is gradually starting to overtake the International Boxing Association (IBA) as the frontmost organization responsible for regulating amateur boxing internationally, and their intent to introduce strict sex testing is one of their latest attempts to signify a change in direction for the sport.
According to a recent press release from World Boxing, the aim is to create a safe and level playing field for all male and female competitors, similar to other policies being introduced that concerns doping. For now, the policy will only be enacted for World Boxing-organized events, particularly the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup set to be held from June 5-10 in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
The policy, still in development, is reportedly aided by a range of experts as well as relevant data to create sustainable and fair testing methods for each fighter; with a clear emphasis in World Boxing’s press release driving home the point of mental and physical safety for each competitor.
Despite the forward-thinking nature of World Boxing’s policy, concerns surround the validity of sex testing after the IBA introduced their own brand of testing that proved to be extremely controversial after several competitors, including Imane Khelif, were disqualified for the IBA’s 2023 World Boxing Championships after failing to meet the organization’s gender eligibility requirements.
This very matter would become one of significant dispute as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) argued there wasn’t a clear basis for the IBA’s decision―culminating in the IBA eventually being barred from working with the Olympics and leading to amateur boxing being excluded from the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics until World Boxing’s efforts helped reinstate the sport.
In a letter sent to the Algerian Boxing Federation on May 30th, World Boxing informed both the organization and Imane Khelif she would be required to undergo sex testing if she were to compete in any World Boxing event―including the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup.
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures,” World Boxing’s letter states.
“In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress. However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change.
“In May 2025, the Executive Board exercised this authority and adopted new eligibility criteria for participation in sex-specific boxing categories. These new eligibility rules were developed with the express purpose of safeguarding athletes in combat sports, particularly given the physical risks associated with Olympic-style boxing.
“Please be advised that, per World Boxing policy, “…in the event the athlete’s sex certification is challenged by the athlete’s federation or by World Boxing, the athlete shall be ineligible to compete until the dispute is resolved…”
With Khelif having undergone widespread global attention after being accused of being a male while she competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, World Boxing clearly have their own concerns regarding Khelif’s gender despite their emphasis on wanting to ensure the health of her and other competitors.
For Khelif herself, this presents an uncomfortable yet career-defining opportunity to prove her correct sex with an organization arguably more reliable and less corrupt than the IBA―which is now increasingly being considered a pariah in the sport due to decades’ worth of allegations surrounding their corruption, including in the Olympics.
However, while World Boxing’s intentions appear well-meaning, their efforts to be transparent, consistent and competent will be put to the test as their procedures for sex testing will be heavily scrutinized, creating a sort of make-and-break scenario that, if their testing prove to be successful and cooperative, can only further help at least amateur boxing establish itself as a genuine progressive sport when it comes to competiveness and fairness.
Notably, World Boxing the sex testing will be conducted by each nation’s boxing governing bodies who will be given the tools and expertise to conduct this policy―a potential double-edged sword given these governing bodies’ interests will lean strongly towards their fighters, creating potential avenues for tests to be manipulated.
