The IBA [formerly AIBA] released a second statement on the row over Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting competing at Paris 2024.
Currently challenged by World Boxing as the top recognized amateur boxing body, IBA blamed its nemesis on the situation that unfolded at the Olympics. The pointing of fingers comes as Khelif controversially progressed to the Quarter-Finals.
Khelif stopped Angela Carini in 46 seconds after the Italian complained about the power of her opponent’s punches. Khelif had previously failed unspecified female category tests and was banned from competing by the IBA.
However, the IBA says it was down to World Boxing that Khelif and Yu-Ting were allowed back into the Olympic fold.
“In addition to knowingly allowing Imane Khelif to compete, World Boxing—whose sole purpose is to support the Olympic movement—has equally endorsed and reinforced ineligible athletes to compete in its recently announced events,” claimed the IBA.
“Alarmingly, the World Boxing 2024 USA Boxing International Invitational tournament saw Khelif compete in the finals on the 16th of April, 2024. A further outing occurred during the Eindhoven Box Cup, supported by World Boxing, on the 18th of May, 2024.
“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?”
Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting banned by IBA
Reiterating its stance on Khelif and Yu-Ting ever competing in its tournaments, the IBA stated, “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 from competing 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.
They added, “IBA stands by its position and will continue to support all athletes within the spirit of the rules.”
World Boxing could soon be criticized for allowing both athletes to compete. However, according to reports, both Khelif and Yu-Ting were born female and have undergone no gender-related surgeries.
The problem lies in their makeup, which the IBA will not specify or pinpoint exactly from their 2023 testing that resulted in suspensions for both.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
