Imane Khelif abruptly banned from prestigious boxing event with new gender test coming
New York Post1 day
World Boxing Mandates Sex Testing
Above: Imane Khelif celebrates as she wins a gold medal in the Boxing Women's 66kg Final match on day 14 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on Aug. 9, 2024. Image copyright: Aytac Unal/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
This is a crucial step in protecting athlete safety and ensuring fair competition in combat sports. Physical differences between male and female athletes can create significant safety risks in boxing, making it essential to maintain strict sex-based categories. This science-based approach, utilizing genetic testing, provides clear and objective criteria for competition eligibility.
Left narrative
This policy unfairly targets successful female athletes and subjects them to invasive testing based on stereotypes and physical appearance. The requirement for genetic testing ignores the complex nature of biological sex and could exclude athletes who have competed as women their entire lives. The timing and specific mention of Khelif suggest discriminatory intent rather than genuine concern for athlete welfare.