Biography Flash: Imane Khelif Fights Genetic Sex Testing in Boxing Standoff

Imane Khelif Biography Flash a weekly Biography.

For this episode of Imane Khelif Biography Flash here is every major headline making wave about the Algerian boxing champion in just the past few days. The big story now dominating global news is Imane Khelif’s high-profile legal battle with World Boxing over mandatory sex testing rules. On September 1, the Court of Arbitration for Sport—or CAS—confirmed that Khelif, fresh off winning Olympic welterweight gold in Paris, filed her official appeal after World Boxing barred her from participating in any of their events unless she submits to a genetic sex test. This test policy was only launched in May, in the wake of an international uproar honestly, that started with Khelif’s devastating performance in Paris, particularly the now infamous 46-second knockout of her Italian opponent, which even led to public commentary from figures like US Vice President JD Vance and Harry Potter author JK Rowling, whose criticisms focused on Khelif’s very eligibility.

CAS’s public statement made it official: her request to temporarily lift the ban so she could fight at this week’s World Championships in Liverpool was denied, which likely means Khelif will not compete. The process will continue in the coming months, but commentators from CBS News and Sky report that both sides are currently exchanging legal filings, and an in-person hearing will be scheduled soon. As this unfolds, there remains open speculation from some quarters regarding her biological sex, including references to conditions like 46,XY disorder of sexual development, but Khelif herself has addressed this head-on before, affirming “I am a woman. I was born a woman, I’ve lived as a woman and I’ve competed as a woman.” She has not commented directly on the latest barring order, but has posted on Instagram in past weeks, sharing messages of gratitude to her parents and, in late June, a pointed story quoting Sia’s “I’m still here” and writing, “success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” This is widely seen among fans as her signaling defiance and ongoing commitment to her sport.

On the business and management side, last month saw Imane publicly refute her former manager Nasser Yesfah’s claim that she was stepping away from boxing. Writing on Facebook, she described Yesfah’s announcement as “false and malicious,” adding “this person no longer represents me in any way.” She also firmly denied all rumors about her retirement, making clear that she plans to fight at the 2028 Olympic Games as long as she is allowed.

Her story, still unfolding, is driving fierce debate globally about athlete privacy, medical ethics, gender in sports and what it means to be a champion. No verified reports as of today place her at any recent public appearances or announcing new sponsors, but her viral social media posts continue rallying waves of support and, yes, opposition. As soon as there are updates on the CAS hearing date or any surprise appearances, you’ll hear it on Imane Khelif Biography Flash.

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