The world of boxing is once again in the spotlight, but this time not just for the punches thrown inside the ring.
A heated debate over gender testing and athlete rights has erupted, centering on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
This controversy was reignited recently after World Boxing announced new mandatory sex testing rules, and Khelif’s name was publicly mentioned — sparking outrage from her home country’s boxing federation.
Algeria Furious Over Imane Khelif’s Naming
The Algerian Boxing Federation didn’t hold back in their response.
They’ve accused World Boxing of violating Khelif’s rights and causing her significant emotional harm by naming her specifically in their announcement.
According to the federation, this public naming has inflicted psychological damage on the 25-year-old Olympic champion.
They argue that Khelif wasn’t given a fair chance to defend herself and that the experts who have been monitoring her medical condition — endocrinologists — were ignored.
The federation’s president sent a strongly worded letter condemning World Boxing’s actions, saying the consequences of this breach are “immeasurable.”
It’s clear the Algerian officials feel the treatment of their athlete was both unfair and harmful.
World Boxing Apologizes but Stands Firm on New Rules
In response, Boris van der Worst, the president of World Boxing, issued a public apology for naming Khelif in their statement.
He acknowledged that her privacy should have been respected and that the mention was inappropriate.
Van der Worst explained that the announcement was meant to introduce a broader policy: mandatory sex testing for all male and female boxers.
This new rule aims to ensure safety in the sport and maintain a fair competitive environment for everyone.
He emphasized that the policy will apply universally and that past competition results — including those of Khelif — will not be reexamined.
Despite this, the timing of the announcement and the apology coincided with renewed calls from public figures like JK Rowling, who has pushed for Khelif’s Olympic gold medal to be revoked.
The Leaked Report That Sparked the Debate
Adding fuel to the fire, a leaked medical report from 2023 has surfaced claiming that Khelif is “biologically male.”
According to the document, which reportedly came from testing at the 2023 World Championships, Khelif’s chromosome analysis showed an XY pattern — typically associated with males.
Khelif has always identified as female and competed as such, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowing her participation in the Paris Games based on the sex listed on her passport.
The IOC’s Position Amid the Controversy
The IOC has now commented on the leaked report, clarifying that eligibility criteria for athletes are the responsibility of each sport’s governing body — in this case, World Boxing.
An IOC spokesperson told Mail Sport that factors affecting sports performance vary greatly depending on the sport and event.
They added that they are awaiting detailed information on how sex testing will be conducted in a way that is fair, safe, and legally sound.
What’s Next?
The debate over gender testing in sports, privacy rights, and fair competition continues to evolve.
For Imane Khelif, this situation has not only impacted her personally but also stirred wider discussions about how sports organizations manage sensitive issues around gender identity.
As World Boxing finalizes its policies, the boxing community and fans alike are watching closely to see how this complex matter will unfold.