World Boxing to Mandate Sex Testing for Women’s Division at 2026 Championships

World Boxing announced this week that all athletes competing in the women’s division at its 2026 World Championships in Liverpool will be required to undergo mandatory sex testing.

Under the policy, national federations must submit results from PCR or equivalent genetic screening to determine the presence of Y chromosome material, which will be used to establish an athlete’s biological sex at birth.

President Boris Van Der Vorst said the move was designed to ensure both safety and fairness in the sport. “World Boxing respects the dignity of all individuals and is keen to ensure it is as inclusive as possible,” he said, but emphasized that combat sports require strict eligibility standards.

Athletes found with Y chromosome material will not automatically be disqualified. However, those with differences in sex development (DSD) involving male androgenization will be restricted to the men’s category unless further evaluations are completed. Additional reviews may include hormone profiling, anatomical exams, and specialist assessments, with an appeals process available.

The policy mirrors similar steps in other sports: World Athletics has reintroduced chromosome testing and now requires all women athletes to complete it at least once in their careers.

The decision could have direct consequences for reigning Olympic champion Imane Khelif of Algeria, who skipped a World Boxing tournament in June after the federation first unveiled its testing framework. Khelif, who has repeatedly said she was born female, has faced heightened scrutiny and speculation throughout her career.

Her case, along with that of Taiwanese gold medalist Lin Yu-ting, has fueled debate about sex eligibility rules in elite women’s sports, highlighting the tension between inclusion, fairness, and athlete welfare.