World Boxing Apologizes for Naming Olympic Champion Imane Khelif in Mandatory Sex Test Announcement

World Boxing has issued a formal apology to Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif after singling her out in their announcement of mandatory sex testing for competitors aged 18 and over. The governing body's president, Boris van der Vorst, acknowledged that Khelif's privacy should have been protected and expressed respect to her and the Algerian Boxing Federation. The new policy, starting July 1, requires genetic PCR testing to determine sex at birth, with further examinations and appeal opportunities if male chromosomal material is found in female athletes. Khelif, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics amid controversy over her eligibility and high testosterone levels, was cleared by the International Olympic Committee to compete, despite being disqualified by the previous governing body, the International Boxing Association. World Boxing, which will organize boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, faces pressure to establish gender eligibility standards following scrutiny of both Khelif and Taiwanese gold medalist Lin Yu-ting. Khelif intends to defend her gold medal in 2028 but must comply with the new testing protocol to participate in upcoming events.