A major controversy is unfolding in the world of international sports, as reports suggest that Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has been identified as biologically male — a revelation that could lead to the loss of his Olympic gold medal and disqualification from future women’s boxing events.
The story gained momentum this week after World Boxing issued an official letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation. The document stated that Khelif would no longer be eligible to compete in the female category unless he undergoes a comprehensive genetic sex verification process.
According to the letter, which became public just days ago, Khelif is now barred from competing in the 2025 Eindhoven Box Cup and any other tournaments under World Boxing’s authority until he complies with the new testing protocols.
New Rules Introduced for Gender Eligibility in Boxing
World Boxing recently introduced a stricter set of rules, which includes mandatory genetic testing for athletes over the age of 18. The new policy uses DNA markers — such as the SRY gene found only on the Y chromosome — to determine biological sex.
These guidelines were approved under emergency measures by the organization’s Executive Board in May, citing the need to maintain fairness and safety in combat sports.
Although Khelif had already come under scrutiny in 2023 following alleged concerns raised by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the full results of his sex verification had not been made public — until now.
Leaked Lab Report Shows Male Chromosomes
A newly surfaced medical report from Dr. Lal PathLabs, a certified laboratory in New Delhi, reportedly confirms the presence of a male karyotype. The document, dated March 17, 2023, indicates the detection of Y chromosomes — a genetic marker for male biology.
The report was first disclosed by sports journalist Alan Abrahamson and later cited by Telegraph Sport and 3 Wire Sports. The findings raise serious questions about why the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed Khelif to compete in the women’s division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite reportedly having access to the earlier test results.
IOC President Thomas Bach allegedly questioned the validity of the original findings, but the committee has not yet issued an official explanation.
🚨A blood test leaked by Olympic press committee member Alan Abrahamson confirms that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is male.
— REDUXX (@ReduxxMag) June 1, 2025
The test was conducted in 2023 at the request of the IBA, and resulted in Khelif being disqualified from the women's world boxing championship in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/4JVJQDSd6a
Public Figures React Strongly to the Khelif Controversy
The reaction to the developing situation has been swift and intense. Prominent media personalities and athletes have voiced concerns about fairness in women’s sports.
British broadcaster Piers Morgan criticized what he called “biological denial” on the social media platform X, writing:
“The woke brigade attacked me for calling out Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing. Turns out, I was right. I’m waiting for apologies — but not holding my breath.”
Former Olympian and women’s rights advocate Sharron Davies shared her frustration:
“We stopped trusting common sense when we started ignoring biological reality in women’s sport.”
Riley Gaines, a well-known women’s sports activist and former swimmer, added:
“For everyone who insisted Khelif was female based on a passport — you were wrong. This is why science matters.”
Future in Women’s Boxing in Jeopardy
Khelif had previously announced his intention to defend his Olympic title at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. However, under World Boxing’s revised policy, failure to undergo a sex verification test will result in immediate disqualification from all women’s competitions.
While Khelif’s team has yet to comment on the latest developments, World Boxing has defended its updated “Sex, Age and Weight” policy as essential to the integrity of the sport.
“These new eligibility standards were designed to ensure fairness and protect athletes from unnecessary physical risks — especially in combat sports like Olympic-style boxing,” the organization stated.
A Pivotal Moment for Gender Policies in Sports
The Imane Khelif case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over gender identity and fairness in women’s sports. As governing bodies around the world re-evaluate eligibility rules, this situation may set a precedent for how biological sex and gender identity are handled in elite athletic competitions moving forward.
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