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≡ SRY-GENE TESTS COMING ≡
“World Boxing’s new policy and the introduction of testing will mean that all athletes over the age of 18 that want to participate in a World Boxing owned or sanctioned competition will need to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test to determine their sex at birth and their eligibility to compete.
“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. The test can be a be conducted by nasal/mouth swab, saliva or blood.
“Athletes that are deemed to be male at birth, as evidenced by the presence of Y chromosome genetic material (the SRY gene) or with a difference of sexual development (DSD) where male androgenization occurs, will be eligible to compete in the male category.
“Athletes that are deemed to be female at birth, as evidenced by the presence of XX chromosomes or the absence of Y chromosome genetic material (the SRY gene) or with a DSD where male androgenization does not occur, will be eligible to compete in the female category.”
This was one of the key issues facing World Boxing when it was confirmed as the new governing body for Olympic boxing by the International Olympic Committee earlier this year. This new policy is in line with the call for such testing by United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls Reem Alsalem (JOR) in 2024.
World Boxing’s tests will be required for entry into all of its competitions and its 2025 World Championships to be held in Liverpool (ENG), with “National Federations will be responsible for testing and will be required to confirm the sex of their athletes when entering them into World Boxing competitions by providing a certification of their chromosomal sex, as determined by a PCR test.”
A significant controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was drummed up over gold-medal boxers Yu-ting Lin (TPE: women’s 57 kg) and Imane Khelif (ALG: 66 kg), questioning their eligibility in the women’s category, although both had competed for their entire careers as women.
In view of the sensitivity of the issue, World Boxing disclosed its message to the Algerian federation, sent Friday, which included:
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.
“In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress. However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change.”
So, with the Eindhoven Cup next week, a close watch will be made over whether Khelif will be entered, tested and compete, or referred for more action, as noted in the World Boxing announcement:
“Where test results for boxers that want to compete in the female category reveal Y chromosome genetic material and a potential DSD, the initial screenings will be referred to independent clinical specialists for genetic screening, hormonal profiles, anatomical examination or other valuation of endocrine profiles by medical specialists.”
Observed: This is a critical development, which if well accepted in the boxing community, could be a positive signal to the International Olympic Committee – under new President Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) – to resume sex screening procedures for the women’s category, which it ended in 1999.
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