Controversial Boxer Imane Khelif Competitive Future in Doubt
Imane Khelif controversially struck gold at 66kg in the women’s category at last summers Olympic Games. Ignoring the fact that she was banned from the 2023 World Championships due to failing to meet the gender criteria.
However, Khelif could now be barred from a competitive comeback. This is due to a new announcement from governing body World Boxing. It says it’s introducing mandatory sex testing which will determine the eligibility of the male/female athletes, wishing to compete.
Imane Khelif, must now undergo sex testing if she wants to fight in any events which are governed by the body World Boxing. The body, will also oversea the 2028 Olympic Games. It has said in writing to the Algerian Boxing Federation, that until Khelif undergoes the said testing, she will not be allowed to compete in any competition, oversaw by World Boxing.
‘World Boxing’ Governing Body: Statement
In a statement on Friday, World Boxing said: “Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025. Also including any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures,”
They added: “The PCR test is a laboratory technique used to detect specific genetic material, in this case the SRY gene, that reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex,”
All wishing to compete, over 18 must undergo this test to determine their eligibility to compete.
Khelif’s Response to Last Summers Backlash
Imane Khelif, following the Olympic Games received huge backlash, including from Claressa Shields who since apologised. She responded by saying this on ITV: ‘”I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one. I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions. Also four World Championships. All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles. But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.”
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
