World Boxing, the international boxing federation provisionally recognised by the IOC, announced on Wednesday the introduction of mandatory sex verification testing for all athletes over the age of 18 who wish to compete in its competitions, a measure that will be applied for the first time in the women’s category at the World Championships, which will be held in Liverpool (United Kingdom), from 4 to 14 September 2025.
The new Sex, Age and Weight Eligibility Policy, in force since August 20, states that female boxers must undergo a genetic test by PCR or equivalent functional medical examination in order to certify the sex at birth and ensure their fitness to compete. Verification will apply in the ten women’s categories at the Liverpool tournament.
For his part, Boris van der Vorst, the president of the federation, said that the measures implemented are aimed at protecting athletes and ensuring fair conditions for all: “By introducing tests to certify an athlete’s eligibility to compete as a man or woman, the new policy on ‘Sex, Age and Weight’ will ensure sporting integrity and protect the safety of all participants”.
According to World Boxing, the rule has been drawn up by a working group from its Medical and Anti-Doping Committee following a year of consultation with experts and analysis of medical, legal and sporting evidence. The governing body stresses that only those born male will be eligible in the men’s division and those born female in the women’s division.
The federation places the responsibility on national federations to carry out the tests and submit chromosomal certification of their athletes. Failure to do so or falsification of this document will result in the boxer’s ineligibility and possible sanctions.
In cases where Y chromosome genetic material is detected or possible differences in sexual development (DSD), the results will be referred to a specialist medical panel, which may order hormonal, anatomical or endocrine profiling tests. The regulations provide for an appeals process and support for affected athletes.
Van der Vorst stressed that the move is aimed at ensuring competitive safety: “In a combat sport like boxing, we have an obligation to look after the integrity of all participants. I am convinced that this policy will bring safety and sporting integrity,” he said.
The federation specified that, from January 1, 2026, the control will also be extended to the men’s category in all its own or sanctioned competitions.
World Boxing, founded in April 2023, received provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee in February 2025 as the international boxing federation, in response to the International Boxing Association (IBA), which was disqualified by the IOC for financial, administrative and arbitration irregularities.
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