World Boxing will introduce mandatory sex testing for boxers in all competitions.

Imane Khelif, who won Olympic welterweight gold in Paris last summer in the female category, will be unable to compete until she undergoes a test.

World Boxing has written to the Algerian Boxing Federation saying Khelif will not be eligible to take part in the Eindhoven Box Cup next month, or any World Boxing event, until that test takes place.

The letter read: “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.”

Khelif had been cleared to compete at the 2024 Olympics despite being disqualified from the 2023 World Championships, organised by the International Boxing Association, for allegedly failing to meet gender eligibility criteria.

What does the test entail?

The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that World Boxing will use determines sex at birth, with all athletes over the age of 18 wishing to compete required to take one.

In this test, the genetic material looked for is the SRY gene.

The SRY gene is almost always on the Y chromosome, which plays a crucial role in determining male sex characteristics.

The test can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.

Athletes deemed to be male at birth, as evidenced by the presence of Y chromosome genetic material (the SRY gene) or with a difference of sexual development (DSD) where male androgenisation occurs, will be eligible to compete in the male category, World Boxing said.

Speaking in March, Khelif said: “I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one.”

World Boxing: Policy designed to ensure safety and level playing field

World Boxing said in its statement: “The introduction of mandatory testing will be part of a new policy on sex, age and weight to ensure the safety of all participants and deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women.

“World Boxing respects the dignity of all individuals and its overriding priority is to ensure safety and competitive fairness to all athletes.

“To do this, it is essential that strict categories determined by sex are maintained and enforced, and means that World Boxing will only operate competitions for athletes categorised as male or female.”

The policy also includes an appeals process.