The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is under increased pressure to clarify its policies regarding transgender athletes competing in the women's category. Rights organizations have formally called for transparency and a robust methodology for the IOC's working group. This comes as Kirsty Coventry, the IOC President, has prioritized the issue, a contrast to the handling of controversies in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where concerns about athlete eligibility were downplayed despite prior notification from the International Boxing Association (IBA). The renewed focus aims to establish fair, scientifically-grounded policies that respect all athletes.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced it will not finalize new eligibility rules for gender-diverse women competing in female categories until after the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. IOC President Kirsty Coventry confirmed a working group is still reviewing the issue, prioritizing fairness and a scientific approach. Discussions include potentially reinstating genetic testing, a practice abandoned for over 30 years, and follows similar moves by federations like World Athletics, International Boxing Association, World Aquatics, and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. A blanket ban before the Los Angeles 2028 Games is possible.

The participation of the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation in the 2025 International Boxing Association (148) World Championships raises concerns for the IOC. With the federation's leader serving as president of World Boxing (WB), the situation introduces an institutional inconsistency. The event, which offers $8 million in prize money, also raises questions about funding sources, potentially linked to Gazprom, and its alignment with IOC standards. Furthermore, Russian athletes are competing under their own flag. The IOC, which granted provisional recognition to WB, faces challenges in restoring stability, with the situation highlighting the complex governance landscape of international boxing.

The International Olympic Committee views World Boxing's recent presidential elections with concern, particularly the unopposed election of Gennadiy Golovkin. The IOC questions the lack of competition and restricted participation from national federations, echoing issues that led to the IOC's dissatisfaction with the International Boxing Association. The IOC emphasizes the need for World Boxing to demonstrate transparency, fairness, and good governance, including expanded participation, transparent election processes, independent oversight, pluralist governance, and clear communication to avoid repeating past mistakes. Failure to implement these reforms risks damaging the credibility of World Boxing and jeopardizing its place in the Olympic movement.

Following reports of a potential ban on transgender athletes in women's events, calls are growing for the {458} to reinstate sex testing. Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies and others are advocating for women's rights and fairness in sports, citing safety concerns and the need for fair competition. The {458} is under pressure to address the issue, with calls for a female-protected category and an open, inclusive category. The {148} and {159} already use sex screening.