Two boxers face one another in the Olympic ring. The boxer dressed in red begins striking the boxer in blue, again and again, breaking her chinstrap, smashing her nose, and then bloodying her chin. After 46 seconds the blue boxer raises her hand to end the fight, dropping to her knees in tears.

Boxing is a violent sport, but this match was especially controversial. Following the fight, Angela Carini, the defeated Italian boxer, explained what happened: "I have never felt a punch like this."

Last year, her opponent, Algerian Imane Khelif, was banned from boxing by the International Boxing Association (IBA). A DNA test is reported to have shown that Khelif had XY chromosomesA threadlike structure found in the nucleus of most living cells, carry genetic information in the form of genes., those associated with being a man, as opposed to the XX chromosomes generally linked with being female.¹

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) follows different rules. From its point of view, Khelif was born female, raised as a girl, and has boxed in the women's category for her entire career. So the fight was allowed to take place.

This is not a transgender issue. Khelif appears to have a difference in sex development (DSD) condition, one of a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs which, according to Britain's NHSThe National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. The NHS was founded in 1948., means a person's sex development is different to most other people's. While her medical history remains private, observers have speculated that her testosteroneThe hormone that causes people to develop male sexual characteristics. Women also produce some testosterone. levels might be comparable to those of a man.

On average, male upper bodies have 75% more muscle than those of a female and are generally 90% stronger.² In addition, their skeletal structure is more resilient to impacts. Khelif may, therefore, have some male physical features, which would be advantageous for a female boxer.

Many people think this is unfair. Gold-winning boxer Nicola Adams tweeted that letting Khelif take part was "dangerous".³

But Khelif's supporters argue that sport should be an inclusive place, where different body types are welcome. They also point out that "female athletes of colour have historically faced disproportionate scrutiny and discrimination".⁴

Khelif grew up in a traditional community where women rarely played sports, let alone boxed. Another boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, is also competing in the women's category despite being banned previously for the same reason. She started training to protect her mother from domestic violence.⁵

Many athletes enjoy some physical advantage. Winners are often taller, faster, or better coordinated than their rivals. But opinion is divided about whether DSD counts as a natural advantage.

What is certain is that the public do not know the full facts about the physiologyThe study of how the human body works. of either boxers. But online accounts have still made irresponsible comments about this story, including those of JK Rowling, Elon Musk and the American YouTuber Logan Paul.

On Friday evening Khelif will compete for the welterweightA weight category in boxing between lightweight and middleweight. gold. Whether or not she enjoys an unfair genetic advantage, she has done nothing to deserve the attacks on social media. Instead, the fault lies with the IOC, who have created this confusing situation.

Sebastian Coe, World Athletics president, summarised the need for a clearer policy on this issue: "You're never going to make everybody happy but you have to plant the flagpole down somewhere."⁶

Is this a case of cheating?

Yes: Female boxers with male genetics or hormones have an overwhelming physical advantage. They should not be allowed to compete against other women given the harm they could cause.

No: Khelif and Yu-ting have done nothing wrong according to Olympic rules. The criticism they have received shows the prejudice that still exists against female athletes of colour.

Or... Neither boxer deserves the criticism they have received online. Instead, the IOC is responsible for creating a confusing situation that many athletes considered unfair.

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