World boxing faces a controversial and delicate turning point. Imane Khelif, the young Algerian star and gold medalist at the Paris Olympics, has been barred from all World Boxing competitions until she undergoes the newly mandated genetic sex testing. The decision is dividing the sport and reigniting the debate around identity, regulations, and athletes’ rights in male and female categories.
The decision follows growing controversy surrounding Khelif’s expected participation in the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup, the largest Olympic boxing tournament in the Netherlands, scheduled for June 5–10, 2025. World Boxing has stated that it contacted the Algerian Boxing Federation to inform them that the athlete will not be allowed to compete in the women’s category unless she complies with the new genetic screening protocol, in accordance with the rules and procedures set by the organization.
At the heart of the controversy are doubts that first emerged during last year’s World Championships, when both Khelif and another boxer were ruled ineligible to compete in the women’s category. However, no official details were provided on the criteria used to exclude them. Adding to the dispute was the fact that the International Boxing Association (the historic governing body for the sport) is permanently banned from the Olympic Games due to poor governance and lack of transparency, which reportedly raised further questions about the athlete’s gender identity.
Khelif has now become the unintended symbol of a heated debate that intertwines sport and human rights. While the introduction of mandatory genetic testing aims to establish clearer guidelines, the measure risks sparking even greater criticism and tension—especially in a global context where gender issues are increasingly complex and sensitive.
