Why Olympic champion Imane Khelif may be forced out of boxing—and how she’s fighting back

Once again, questions over sex continue to place Imane Khelif’s name in the media headlines, putting her talent to the side and instead focussing on supposed controversies propelled by right-wing commentators and, in this case, World Boxing.

Khelif was set to compete at the World Boxing Championships which get underway this month, but a decision barring her from upcoming events unless she undergoes genetic sex testing has put her participation at risk. World Boxing introduced mandatory sex testing last May in order to “determine the eligibility of male and female athletes [who] want to take part in its competitions”.

Failure to take the test would “render the athlete ineligible to compete and may lead to sanctions against the athlete and/or the athlete’s national federation,” it added; the Olympic champion, according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, filed an appeal last month against the testing. CNN say the arbitration body is also said to have dismissed a request to suspend the World Boxing decision until the case was heard.

“The parties are currently exchanging written submissions and, with their agreement, a hearing will be scheduled,” a CAS spokesperson said, per Sky Sports.

Despite being born as a woman, raised as a woman, and rose through the ranks to be one of the best female boxers of the current crop, debate from those who seek to stir it still rages. Khelif met all the relevant criteria to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) ruled that her inclusion was “not a transgender issue”.

Debate arose regarding the gender of the Algerian after she failed an eligibility criteria test carried out by the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA). However, this organisation was later stripped of its governing power in the sport, with the IOC confirming integrity and governance issues.

Related stories

Tennis | US Open

Historic success for American players at US Open

Cowboys

Trevon Diggs injury update: Cowboys CB reveals chances of playing vs Eagles

Khelif plans to defend her welterweight gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, which is set to be organised by World Boxing. It remains to be seen how the story develops leading up to the Games, given that Donald Trump’s administration appear hell-bent on crushing all protections for those who need it most.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.