Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is biologically male: leaked report

PARIS,— A 2023 medical report has surfaced confirming that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has male chromosomes, according to a document released just days after World Boxing mandated gender verification for future female competitors, The Telegraph reported.

The report, originating from testing conducted in New Delhi during the 2023 World Championships, was made public by U.S. journalist Alan Abrahamson via the 3 Wire Sports website.

The document, issued by Dr Lal Path Labs and certified by both the American College of Pathologists and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), described Khelif’s chromosomal profile as “abnormal,” with results showing an XY karyotype — a genetic pattern consistent with males.

Khelif, 26, was disqualified from the 2023 championships following the test, which was reportedly conducted in March of that year. Abrahamson stated the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had received early warnings regarding Khelif’s sex classification more than a year prior to the Paris Olympic Games.

Despite securing Olympic gold in Paris in 2024, Khelif is now barred from future events under World Boxing’s authority unless new genetic tests confirm a female chromosomal pattern.

The governing body has instituted a requirement that all athletes above 18 must submit to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing using mouth swabs, saliva, or blood samples.

On Friday, World Boxing formally announced that sex testing will be mandatory for all participants in its sanctioned competitions. The policy was introduced to ensure what the organization described as “a level playing field” for both male and female athletes.

The organization, provisionally recognized by the IOC and scheduled to oversee Olympic boxing at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, stated that Khelif is ineligible to compete unless she undergoes genetic testing in accordance with its procedures.

“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at any World Boxing event until she completes genetic sex screening in line with our testing protocols,” World Boxing said in an official statement.

The governing body has informed the Algerian Boxing Federation that Khelif will not be permitted to compete at the Eindhoven Box Cup, scheduled for June 5–10, unless the requirements are met.

The Algerian Boxing Federation, which became a member of World Boxing in September 2023, did not respond to requests for comment. Khelif also could not be reached.

World Boxing’s announcement follows controversy at the Paris Olympics, where both Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting won gold medals while facing questions over their eligibility to compete in the women’s division.

Italy’s Angela Carini, who was defeated by Khelif, and Mexico’s Brianda Tamara Cruz, who boxed against her in 2022, raised safety concerns over the bouts, citing the force of Khelif’s punches.

The IOC has challenged the legitimacy of the March 2023 test. IOC spokesman Mark Adams described it as unofficial, while President Thomas Bach claimed the findings were the result of disinformation tied to the International Boxing Association (IBA), which lost IOC recognition due to governance and financial issues. The lab’s international accreditations have cast doubt on those claims.

Khelif has not submitted any new test results since the matter surfaced, and her eligibility remains unresolved under World Boxing’s current guidelines.

(With files from The Telegraph | Reuters)