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Last year World Boxing mandated genetic sex tests for women 18+

George Francis said he missed the Worlds because a blood sample for his genetic sex test was not ready, costing him an Olympic qualifying chance.

england, worlds, francis, sport, everyone, missed, sex-test mix-up, england boxer

Key facts

  • In January, World Boxing extended the rules to include male boxers.
  • World Boxing introduced mandatory genetic sex testing last year for female competitors aged 18 and above. It said the tests were to ensure"the safety…
  • The decision also cost him the chance to try to qualify for the Olympics. Francis said he is planning to turn professional.

In January, World Boxing extended the rules to include male boxers.

World Boxing introduced mandatory genetic sex testing last year for female competitors aged 18 and above. It said the tests were to ensure"the safety of all participants and provide a level playing field", with national federations responsible for ensuring samples were processed.

The decision also cost him the chance to try to qualify for the Olympics. Francis said he is planning to turn professional.

"They got me in a room and told me that I couldn't box because they didn't know if I was a boy or a girl, basically,"Francis told BBC Sport.

He said the explanation was that they could not provide a blood sample for him in time."They were speaking to me and I couldn't even really hear,"he said.

"I can't put into words how it just doesn't make sense,"Francis said.

The federation said George remained a valued member of the England team, including representing the squad as flag bearer.

Dig deeper

What is World Boxing?

World Boxing is the international federation that sets competition rules for many national boxing bodies and the Olympic amateur pathway, so its sex-testing policy decides who can enter sanctioned bouts.

What is genetic sex testing here?

It is a laboratory check of a competitor's genetic sex, required for women 18 and over and later extended to male boxers, with national federations responsible for getting samples processed.

Why does this matter?

The rules are meant to protect safety and a level playing field, but a missing or late sample can bar a boxer from competition and from trying to qualify for the Olympics.

What are the Olympics in this story?

The Olympics are the top multi-sport event for amateur boxers; losing a qualification chance can end that route and push an athlete toward a professional career.

Who are Francis and George in this piece?

Francis is the boxer who says he was told he could not box because officials did not know if he was a boy or a girl and who now plans to turn professional; the federation said George remains a valued England team member and has served as flag bearer.

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