World Boxing Advocates for Fairness and Safety for Women Athletes
World Boxing aims to ensure fairness and safety in boxing, especially concerning gender issues, as it seeks to maintain the sport’s presence in the 2028 Olympics. The organization will release its policies on transgender and DSD competitors soon, following controversies regarding eligibility and safety. With provisional recognition from the IOC, World Boxing emphasizes its commitment to creating a balanced competitive landscape.
World Boxing, the newly established governing body seeking oversight of the sport at the upcoming Summer Olympics, has announced its commitment to ensuring safety for all boxers. The organization, recognized provisionally by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in February 2025, plans to reveal its stance on transgender and differences of sexual development (DSD) competitors in the near future. This announcement is critical for maintaining boxing’s status at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Following governance disputes with the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has led the IOC to manage Olympic boxing events recently, World Boxing’s formation comes amid scrutiny over eligibility issues. The previous Olympics witnessed controversies involving female boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, who faced challenges regarding gender verification tests, raising questions about fairness and safety in competitions.
World Boxing’s spokesperson emphasized that athlete safety is of utmost importance and acknowledged the complications surrounding gender clarity. As the governing body develops comprehensive guidelines addressing sex, age, and weight, it aims to create a fair competitive environment that prioritizes the well-being of all participants.
With growing anticipation, World Boxing intends to finalize and announce its updated policies soon, incorporating insights from medical experts. This effort underscores the organization’s dedication to delivering balanced competition for all genders, acknowledging the complexities inherent in assessing eligibility.
As World Boxing continues to solidify its standing, its president, Boris van der Vorst, recognized the crucial nature of maintaining boxing’s Olympic status, stating that it is essential for the sport’s future. As of now, World Boxing has 78 members spanning five continents, underscoring its commitment to global representation and integrity in boxing governance.
World Boxing is dedicated to ensuring a safe and fair environment for all competitors, especially in light of controversies surrounding gender eligibility in the sport. With its provisional recognition by the IOC and ongoing efforts to refine its policies, World Boxing is taking significant steps toward establishing a comprehensive framework for competition. The upcoming announcement regarding transgender and DSD athletes is anticipated to address complex issues while prioritizing athlete welfare.
Original Source: www.dw.com
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