Olympic boxing gender controversy

The boxing competition at the Paris Olympics has concluded amidst a significant gender controversy that raises doubts about the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The IOC permitted boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting to compete despite their disqualification from the 2023 World Championships for failing gender eligibility tests, leading to public outcry over safety concerns. Former Olympian Sharron Davies has called this decision 'insane,' warning that female athletes could face life-threatening risks in the ring due to disparities in physical strength between genders. The IOC plans to reassess boxing's status for the upcoming Olympics, emphasizing the need for a reliable international partner amid ongoing disputes with the International Boxing Association. Experts highlight that biological males can punch significantly harder than females, raising alarms about the potential dangers in the sport. The controversy has sparked intense discussions about fairness and safety in women's boxing, calling for more stringent regulations.