Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has been disqualified from competing in the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championship after a DNA test, reportedly pushed by billionaire Elon Musk, revealed that she has XY chromosomes. The International Boxing Association (IBA) ruled that Khelif, who has competed in women’s boxing for years, would no longer be eligible to fight in the women’s division.
The shocking revelation has reignited fierce debates over fairness, biological advantages, and the role of public figures in influencing sports policies.
Elon Musk’s Role in the Controversy
The controversy erupted after Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to his platform X (formerly Twitter) to question Khelif’s eligibility to compete in women’s boxing. Citing concerns over biological differences, Musk urged the IBA to conduct a DNA test on Khelif, stating that “fair competition in women’s sports must be protected.”
Following his statement, the IBA announced an official review, leading to the genetic test that ultimately confirmed Khelif has XY chromosomes. The ruling led to her immediate disqualification, with officials stating that her genetic makeup “confers an unfair advantage over other female competitors.”
Khelif Reacts: “I Am Devastated”
The decision has left Khelif in shock and devastation. In a statement to Algerian media, she denied any wrongdoing and expressed her heartbreak over the ruling.
“I have always identified as a woman. I have trained, competed, and won as a woman. This decision is unfair, and I feel like my entire career has been erased in a single moment,” Khelif said.
Her legal team is reportedly exploring options to challenge the ruling, calling it “a direct attack on her identity and rights as an athlete.”
Backlash and Political Debate
The decision has sparked a global firestorm, with advocacy groups, politicians, and sports analysts divided on the issue.
LGBTQ+ and women’s rights organizations have condemned the move, accusing the IBA of bowing to external pressure and violating Khelif’s rights.
“This sets a dangerous precedent where billionaires like Elon Musk can pressure sports organizations into making decisions based on ideology rather than science,” said a spokesperson from a European human rights group.
On the other hand, some athletes and sports officials praised the decision, arguing that it upholds the integrity of women’s sports.
Former champion boxer Claressa Shields weighed in, stating, “Fairness matters. We train our entire lives to compete on a level playing field. This ruling protects that.”
What’s Next?
As the debate rages on, Khelif’s future in boxing remains uncertain. The IBA has not indicated whether she will be allowed to compete in a different category, leaving her athletic career in limbo. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s involvement in the controversy continues to fuel heated discussions about the role of tech billionaires in global sports governance.
With the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championship on the horizon, one thing is clear—this decision will have lasting implications for the future of women’s athletics and the ongoing debate over gender in competitive sports.
