IMANE KHELIF will not be allowed to compete at next week’s Eindhoven Boxing Cup.
World Boxing are now set to implement mandatory sex testing for all athletes hoping to compete in their events.
GettyImane Khelif won gold at last summer’s Paris Olympics[/caption]
Khelif, 26, won gold at last summer‘s Paris Olympic Games.
The Algerian did so amid a backdrop of criticism from certain pundits.
Her first round win over Angela Carini saw the Italian give up after just 46 seconds in the ring.
Khelif had failed an unspecified gender test administered by the Russian-led International Boxing Association in 2023.
Carini left the ring in tears, and later claimed: “After the second one (punch landed) I couldn’t breathe anymore.
“I went to my coach and said ‘enough’ because it takes maturity and courage to stop. I didn’t feel like fighting anymore.”
The Eindoven Cup have been promoting Khelif’s participation in their upcoming event, with a poster reading: “Proud that Imane Khelif is there again to defend her title.”
World Boxing’s decision will scupper Khelif’s entry into the event.
A letter sent to the Algerian federation by World Boxing confirms: “Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.
“In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress.
“However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change.”
Amid last summer’s controversy, US president Donald Trump wrongly claimed that Khelif is transgender.
Khelif told ITV earlier this year: “The US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.”
She the signalled her intention to defend her Olympic gold medal, adding: “Second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles.”
‘NOTHING TO HIDE’
Khelif went on to add: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.
“The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics — the injustice was exposed and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”
Khelif then continued: “For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.
“I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships.
“All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles.
“But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.”
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