An international boxing organization has extended an apology to the Algerian federation for mistakenly naming boxer Imane Khelif in a public statement regarding mandatory gender testing. This policy, introduced after controversies surrounding athletes like Khelif during last year's Paris Olympics, requires all competitors over 18 to undergo genetic testing to determine eligibility based on their biological sex. The PCR test will identify specific genetic markers indicating the presence of the Y chromosome. Furthermore, national federations must confirm athletes' chromosomal sex through certification before entering them into competitions. The debate intensified following Khelif's and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting's achievements at the Paris Olympics, drawing criticism from high-profile figures.

Revised Policy and Its Implementation

The new regulation mandates that every athlete aged 18 or above must undergo a PCR genetic test if they wish to compete in any World Boxing-owned or sanctioned events. National federations bear the responsibility of ensuring compliance by providing certification confirming each competitor’s chromosomal sex. This measure aims to clarify eligibility while addressing concerns raised after the Paris Olympics controversies. The process involves detecting specific genetic material using a nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood sample.

This genetic analysis focuses on identifying the SRY gene, which indicates the presence of the Y chromosome, thereby determining biological sex. Athletes who do not comply with this requirement may face disqualification from participating in future competitions. By implementing this policy, World Boxing seeks to establish clearer guidelines and ensure fairness in its events. For instance, had this policy been in place prior to the Paris Olympics, it might have preempted some of the disputes surrounding certain athletes' qualifications. It is crucial for national federations to adhere strictly to these procedures to maintain the integrity of the sport.

Public Reaction and Organizational Adjustments

Following the announcement of mandatory gender testing, significant public attention and debate arose, particularly concerning the inclusion of specific athletes' names in official statements. High-profile individuals, including US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, contributed to discussions about gender eligibility in sports. To address backlash, World Boxing issued a formal apology to the Algerian Boxing Federation, acknowledging the need for more careful handling of such sensitive matters. They emphasized that no individual should be directly linked to the policy without due consideration.

Additionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) severed ties with the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to governance issues, instead provisionally recognizing World Boxing as the governing body for future Games. This decision followed controversies where athletes like Khelif and Lin were disqualified from championships after failing gender eligibility tests administered by the IBA. By adopting these stringent measures, World Boxing aims to restore confidence among stakeholders and uphold the standards necessary for participation in major sporting events such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Ensuring transparency and fairness remains paramount as the organization navigates these complex challenges moving forward.