In a startling twist to the Olympic boxing narrative, it has been confirmed that Imane Khelif, the Algerian champion set to compete at the Paris 2024 Games, possesses male chromosomes, as revealed in a recently released sex-test report from the 2023 World Championships.
The timing of this revelation is critical, coming just 36 hours after World Boxing mandated that Khelif undergo sex screening to qualify for future female events. The medical report, initially generated in March 2023 during the World Championships in New Delhi, was disclosed by American journalist Alan Abrahamson via the 3 Wire Sports platform.
Conducted by Dr Lal Path Labs—an accredited facility recognised by the American College of Pathologists—the test states clearly: “Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype.” This indicates that Khelif has XY chromosomes, which are typically associated with male biological sex.
These findings led to Khelif’s disqualification from the 2023 championships, yet the IOC permitted her participation in Paris, citing the female designation on her passport. This decision has attracted significant scrutiny as World Boxing implements stricter policies on athlete eligibility.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams previously labelled the chromosome test as “ad hoc” and “not legitimate” during a tense press conference in Paris. However, the credibility of the test has now been bolstered by its certification from a reputable laboratory.
Furthermore, IOC President Thomas Bach accused the test results of being part of a “Russian-led misinformation campaign,” referencing the IOC’s withdrawal of recognition from the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to ethical concerns.
In light of the ongoing controversy, World Boxing has recently mandated that any athlete over 18 wishing to compete in women’s categories must undergo genetic sex testing, including a PCR test to identify chromosomal material. Since the eligibility questions were raised nine months ago, Khelif has not provided evidence of possessing female chromosomes.
Despite her determination to defend her Olympic title at Los Angeles 2028, Khelif’s future in women’s boxing remains uncertain. The controversy intensified last year when both Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting won Olympic gold, despite being barred by the IBA for failing to meet female chromosomal criteria, causing outrage among athletes and national federations.
Angela Carini, Khelif’s first opponent in Paris, remarked, “I was punched so hard, I feared for my life.” Similarly, Brianda Tamara Cruz from Mexico, who fought Khelif in 2022, stated, “I don’t think I had ever felt like that in my 13 years as a boxer.”
Latin American federations have played a pivotal role in shaping World Boxing’s firm stance, with the Honduran federation advocating for measures ensuring that only women by birth can compete in women’s events. The Peruvian federation has echoed this call, urging for the protection of women in sports.
World Boxing, with provisional approval to oversee Olympic boxing at the 2028 Games, is resolute in maintaining what it terms the “reality of sex” to ensure fairness and safety in the women’s category.
