Photo Courtesy of AP Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano
The world of women’s boxing is at the forefront of a major policy shift. The international governing body, World Boxing, has announced a new and mandatory sex testing policy for all competitors in the women’s division. This update, which will be implemented ahead of the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England, marks a significant change in the sport’s approach to competitive fairness and athlete eligibility.
Photo Courtesy of AP Transgender Women’s Champion Boxer Imane Khelif
What Does the New Rule Entail?
Under the new “Sex, Age and Weight” policy, all athletes over the age of 18 who wish to compete in a World Boxing-sanctioned event, must undergo a genetic screening test. The primary test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or a similar genetic screening that identifies the presence or absence of Y chromosome genetic material. This is a key indicator of biological sex.
According to World Boxing, the policy is designed to ensure a level playing field and prioritize the safety of all participants. The new rule states that to be eligible for the women’s category, a competitor must be female at birth. This will be evidenced by the absence of the Y chromosome.
The Context Behind the Change
This move by World Boxing comes amidst ongoing discussions and debates in the wider sports community regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes and the definition of fairness in competition. The organization’s decision to implement a genetic-based test stands in contrast to the hormone-based policies used by some other sports bodies. World Boxing has also stated that it will offer additional analysis and an appeals process for athletes who present with a Y chromosome but wish to compete in the women’s category. They will take into account differences of sexual development (DSDs).
The new rule has been met with varied reactions, sparking a conversation about the balance between inclusion, safety, and competitive integrity in combat sports. As a new and independent body, World Boxing is setting its own precedent for the future of the sport, with potential implications for boxing at all levels, including future Olympic competitions.
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