IBA spars with IOC over eligibility of Olympic boxers who failed gender tests

Riley Gaines Center ambassador Kaitlynn Wheeler joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss the fallout after an Algerian boxer who failed a gender eligibility test beats her opponent in only 46 seconds. 

The International Boxing Association (IBA) fired back at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and maintained its decision to disqualify Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting from its world championship in 2023 was "justified" based on tests that year and in 2022.

The IBA said World Boxing, which was created to become the sport’s governing body following its separation from the IOC, reinforced ineligible athletes to compete in their very own recently announced events. Khelif was able to compete in two World Boxing events earlier this year.

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A split between Imane Khelif, left, and Lin Yu-Ting. (Getty Images)

"We absolutely do not understand why any organization would put a boxer at risk with what could bring a potential serious injury within the ‘Field of Play’ (FOP). The main role of the referee in the ring is to manage the boxer’s safety at all times. How is this reasonably practicable when a boxer fails to meet the eligibility criteria to compete?" the IBA said.

"The IBA will never support any boxing bouts between the genders, as the organization puts the safety and well-being of our athletes first. We are protecting our women and their rights to compete in the ring against equal rivals, and we will defend and support them in all instances; their hopes and dreams must never be taken away by organizations unwilling to do the right thing under difficult circumstances.

"IBA stands by its position and will continue to support all athletes within the spirit of the rules."

IRISH