Controversy Surrounds Genetic Sex Testing at World Boxing Championships

The World Boxing Championships in Liverpool have been overshadowed by a controversy regarding newly implemented genetic sex testing policies. Twelve boxers, including the entire five-member women's team from France, have been barred from competing due to missed deadlines for submitting test results. This situation has sparked outrage from various stakeholders, including the French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq, who described the decision as “inadmissible.”

LGBTQ Nation

World Boxing's new policy mandates that fighters over 18 wishing to compete in the women’s category must undergo a one-off PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or equivalent genetic test. This policy was introduced following a gender controversy involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both athletes faced exclusion from the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) 2023 World Championships due to eligibility test failures, although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later allowed them to compete, stating they were victims of arbitrary decisions.

Boxing chiefs vow to redouble efforts in sex test rowThe Straits TimesBlueprint NewspaperLGBTQ Nation

The French Boxing Federation (FFBoxe) expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the laboratory recommended by World Boxing was unable to deliver results in time. Athletes from other countries, including the Dominican Republic, Fiji, Nigeria, and the Philippines, also faced similar exclusions. Maelys Richol, a member of the French team, articulated feelings of “frustration, anger, and disappointment” regarding the ban.

Blueprint Newspaper

Mike McAtee, acting secretary-general of World Boxing, acknowledged the challenges faced by national federations in meeting the new requirements. He emphasized that World Boxing had communicated the policy well in advance and that the responsibility for compliance lay with the national federations. McAtee noted, “Anything medical takes time,” and suggested that World Boxing might consider direct communication with athletes in the future to ensure understanding of testing requirements.

The Straits Times

Critics of the genetic testing policy argue that it disproportionately affects athletes from countries where such testing is prohibited or logistically challenging. The French team’s exclusion has been described as a result of “disastrous and unfair management.” Additionally, Khelif has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge the gender testing policy, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding gender identity in sports.

LGBTQ Nation

While World Boxing maintains that it provided ample notice regarding the new testing requirements, the French Boxing Federation contends that the recommended laboratory failed to meet the necessary timelines. This discrepancy raises questions about the adequacy of communication and support provided to national federations.

Blueprint Newspaper

As the situation unfolds, World Boxing faces pressure to reassess its policies and improve communication with athletes and federations. The ongoing appeal by Imane Khelif against the gender testing policy may also influence future regulations and practices within the sport.

The Straits Times

• “It is with stupefaction and indignation that the French team learned on Wednesday evening the French women’s boxing team would not be able to compete in the first World Championships organised by World Boxing,” — French Boxing Federation

Blueprint Newspaper

• “We need to see how we can perform better, not only on eligibility, but everything else,” — Mike McAtee, Acting Secretary-General of World Boxing

Boxing chiefs vow to redouble efforts in sex test row

• “After an entire year of work, we find ourselves thrown out not for sporting reasons but because of disastrous and unfair management,” — Maelys Richol, French Boxer

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