Elon Musk Shakes Up Women’s Boxing: Imane Khelif Banned from 2025 Championship After DNA Test Confirms XY Chromosomes

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has been barred from competing in the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championship after a DNA test—allegedly pushed by Elon Musk—revealed she has XY chromosomes.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) ruled that Khelif is ineligible to fight in the women’s division, sparking a global firestorm of controversy.

Musk’s Influence and the DNA Test That Changed Everything

The decision comes after Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, publicly questioned Khelif’s eligibility on his platform X (formerly Twitter). Musk, a vocal advocate for “fairness” in women’s sports, urged the IBA to conduct a genetic test.

“Fair competition in women’s sports must be protected,” Musk wrote in a viral post, setting off a chain reaction that led to the IBA’s investigation.

The results confirmed that Khelif has XY chromosomes, leading to her immediate disqualification. The ruling cited that her genetic makeup provides an unfair advantage over her female competitors.

Khelif Speaks Out: ‘My Career Has Been Erased’

Khelif, a former Olympic contender and world championship finalist, was left in shock and devastation. Speaking to Algerian media, she denied any wrongdoing and criticized the decision as unjust.

“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.”

Her legal team is now exploring ways to challenge the ruling, calling it a violation of her rights as an athlete.

A Global Firestorm: Sports Integrity vs. Human Rights

The ruling has divided the sports world, igniting fierce debates over gender, fairness, and Musk’s influence in global athletics.

LGBTQ+ and human rights groups blasted the decision, calling it “a dangerous precedent where billionaires dictate sports policies.”

Supporters of the ruling, including former world champion Claressa Shields, praised the move, stating, “We train for years to compete on a level playing field. This ruling protects that.”

What’s Next for Khelif?

With the IBA refusing to clarify whether she can compete in another category, Khelif’s boxing career hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Musk’s growing influence in sports governance continues to fuel heated discussions.

As the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championship approaches, one thing is certain—this decision will have lasting implications for women’s athletics and the evolving debate over gender in sports.