The international governing body of boxing, known as World Boxing, has announced a new regulation requiring mandatory sex testing for all athletes starting from July 1. This decision aims to safeguard the integrity and safety of boxers participating in competitions owned or sanctioned by the organization. According to the statement, any athlete over the age of 18 must undergo a PCR genetic test to determine their biological sex at birth, which will dictate their eligibility to compete. Refusal to comply with this testing protocol will result in exclusion from all World Boxing events. The policy also highlights specific cases, such as Imane Khelif of Algeria, who won the women’s welterweight gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics but faces restrictions under the new rules.

In an effort to ensure fair competition, the organization mandates that all athletes wishing to participate in upcoming events, including those targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, must adhere to the newly introduced regulations. These regulations are based on detecting genetic material indicative of the presence of the Y chromosome, serving as a marker for biological sex. The introduction of this rule stems from recent controversies surrounding gender verification in sports, notably involving athletes like Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan during the 2023 Women's World Boxing Championships.

Further complicating matters was the International Boxing Association (IBA), which had its Olympic recognition revoked in 2023 due to governance and financial concerns. The IBA reignited debates about gender verification tests before and during the Paris Games, asserting that both Khelif and Lin carried Y chromosomes, thus questioning their eligibility to compete in the women's division. Under the revised policy by World Boxing, individuals identified with a Y chromosome or differences of sexual development (DSD) accompanied by male androgenization will only be allowed to compete in men's categories.

To enforce compliance, national federations are tasked with conducting these tests and certifying athletes' chromosomal statuses using PCR results. Athletes lacking valid certification risk disqualification, while federations providing false information may face sanctions. This initiative aligns with broader discussions on gender in sports, influenced partly by U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports." The directive urged measures ensuring revisions in IOC standards governing Olympic events, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding inclusivity and fairness in athletic competitions.

As the International Olympic Committee unanimously voted to include boxing in the 2028 Games earlier this year, the implementation of this stringent policy underscores a pivotal moment in shaping future competitive landscapes. By establishing clear criteria for participation, World Boxing seeks to address longstanding disputes while maintaining respect for scientific evidence and athlete welfare. This move not only impacts current champions but sets precedents for aspiring competitors aiming to excel in forthcoming global tournaments.