A major controversy has shaken the world of women’s boxing after athlete Imane Khelif was prevented from participating in the 2025 Boxing World Championship. The decision came after a DNA test requested by Elon Musk, owner of the X platform (formerly Twitter), which sparked significant repercussions on social media and within the sports world.
The controversy began when Musk, who has frequently been involved in debates about gender and the participation of trans athletes in women’s competitions, requested that the International Boxing Association (IBA) perform a genetic test on Khelif. The test revealed that Khelif has XY chromosomes, typically found in males, which led Musk to claim that the athlete would have a physical advantage over other women in the sport. Based on this result, the IBA decided to bar Khelif from competing in the tournament, stating that she did not meet the requirements to compete in the female category.
The decision caused a massive divide on social media and in the sports world. Supporters of the measure argue that the biological differences between men and women, especially regarding physical strength and endurance, make it necessary to separate sports categories to ensure fairness in competition. They claim that the presence of an athlete with XY chromosomes in a female category could create an unfair disparity.
On the other hand, groups supporting women’s rights and the inclusion of transgender athletes strongly criticized the decision, accusing Musk of prejudice and disregarding gender identity issues. Many emphasized that Khelif’s gender identity as a woman should be the determining factor for her eligibility, not her chromosomes. Additionally, it was pointed out that the issue of physical advantage in competitions cannot be simplified to just a genetic analysis, as other variables, such as training and skills, also influence an athlete’s performance.
Imane Khelif, one of the most prominent athletes in women’s boxing, has not yet made an official statement on the matter. However, her case raises broader questions about the treatment of women and transgender individuals in sports competitions. The controversy surrounding inclusion and fairness in sports remains a hot topic, and the IBA’s decision may have lasting repercussions on gender and identity policies in sports.
Meanwhile, the discussion about the influence of major public figures, such as Elon Musk, on decisions that impact athletes’ lives continues to spark debate.
