World Boxing has dropped its bombshell ruling with immediate effect that will end Imane Khelif’s hopes of competing as a woman under its banner, as the new federation moves to enforce strict sex eligibility testing across the sport.
From August 20, 2025, all boxers over 18 will have to prove their biological sex at birth via PCR or equivalent genetic screening before being cleared to fight. The move follows months of heated debate over gender eligibility in boxing and comes just weeks before the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool.
That means every fighter aiming to enter the ten women’s weight divisions in Liverpool will be required to present a once-in-a-lifetime chromosomal certification. Those who fail or refuse will be banned.
World Boxing’s New Safety and Fairness Policy
World Boxing confirmed the process will use PCR screening to detect the SRY gene, the presence of which identifies male chromosomal material. Athletes identified as male at birth, or those with a difference of sexual development (DSD) involving male androgenization, will be restricted to the men’s category.
Athletes confirmed female at birth, with XX chromosomes or no SRY gene, will be cleared for the women’s category.
In short: male at birth = men’s division. Female at birth = women’s division, and those with a mixture, like Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif, will have to compete as men.
World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst defended the ruling, stressing it was about safety and fairness in a dangerous combat sport:
“World Boxing respects the dignity of all individuals and is keen to ensure it is as inclusive as possible, yet in a combat sport like boxing, we have a duty of care to deliver safety and competitive fairness.
“It has been a long and detailed process, but we needed to examine all of the medical, legal, and sporting issues. I am confident that this new policy will deliver sporting integrity and protect all participants.
“We recognize that the issues relating to eligibility in boxing are more pronounced in the women’s events. That is why we made the decision to implement the policy in the female category first.”
World Boxing has published its new Sex Eligibility Policy and confirmed that mandatory sex testing will apply in the female category at the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025.
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#TimeForWorldBoxing pic.twitter.com/f7R6YZagbZ— World Boxing (@RealWorldBoxing) August 20, 2025
Implications for Imane Khelif and Women’s Boxing
National Federations will now have to certify their athletes’ sex before registration. Any failure to submit the test or attempts at false certification will bring automatic disqualification and potential sanctions.
Where results are unclear, cases will be referred to a specialist medical panel for deeper analysis, including genetic, hormonal, and anatomical examinations.
The IOC-recognized body confirmed that testing will be expanded to the men’s divisions from January 1, 2026.
This marks the most decisive intervention yet in the battle over eligibility, with World Boxing drawing a clear line: no ambiguity, no loopholes. The rule ensures that Khelif, who sparked worldwide headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will be formally excluded from competing in women’s boxing under World Boxing’s governance.
Khelif has DSD despite being born female. The IBA, which previously governed the amateur side of the sport, confirmed the presence of XY chromosomes in a test sample from Khelif.
The decision is set to dominate headlines as the countdown to Liverpool begins, at which Khelif has chosen not to compete.
World Boxing’s landmark ruling could reshape the future of Olympic and professional boxing in one stroke, as Khelif will also face similar procedures if she enters the paid ranks due to her high profile.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.