World Boxing announced on Friday the implementation of mandatory gender testing for athletes seeking to compete in its events, including future Olympic Games, to ensure fair and equitable competition.
The international federation introduced the policy following past controversies, notably involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, the women’s welterweight gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The new guidelines were formally communicated to the Algerian Boxing Federation and will apply to all athletes under World Boxing’s jurisdiction.
World Boxing, which recently received provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is set to oversee boxing competitions at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“This policy reflects our commitment to fair play and transparency,” World Boxing said in a statement. “We will work with national federations to ensure consistent and respectful implementation.”
Federation officials underscored that the initiative aims to align with international standards and uphold the values of equal opportunity, fair competition, and athlete respect.
World Boxing will continue to collaborate with the IOC and other governing bodies to ensure its rules remain consistent with evolving global sports governance practices.