World Boxing has announced it will require all female athletes to undergo sex testing ahead of the 2025 Women’s World Championships in Liverpool. The new rule, set to begin in early September, demands a genetic screening, such as a PCR test to determine sex at birth. The policy has reignited global debate around gender, fairness, and inclusion in sports.
World Boxing president Boris Van Der Vorst defended the decision. “In a combat sport like boxing, we have a duty of care to deliver safety and competitive fairness,” he said. “That’s what guided this policy.” Van Der Vorst added that the organization aims to remain inclusive while protecting athletes in high-contact environments.
The announcement follows a high-profile incident earlier this year involving Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif. She withdrew from a tournament after early drafts of this testing policy were leaked. Khelif, 26, has faced public speculation over her eligibility but maintains she was born female and has competed in women’s boxing for nearly a decade. World Boxing faced criticism for naming her during policy discussions, and Van Der Vorst later apologized.
Under the updated policy, athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) who show signs of male androgenisation will only be allowed to compete in the men’s category. Those with Y chromosome material may apply for further medical evaluation, including hormone tests and anatomical assessments. An appeals process will be available.
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National federations must now conduct and submit sex test results for their athletes. The move follows World Athletics, which reintroduced similar chromosome testing earlier this year. Critics argue the policies invade athlete privacy and ignore the complexities of human biology.
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