IBA's Turbulent Press Conference Sparks Controversy Over Olympic Boxing Dispute.

The International Boxing Association's news conference on Monday was chaotic and left many questions unanswered about the eligibility dispute that has overshadowed boxing at the 2024 Olympics.

Algeria's Imane Khelif and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting are assured of at least bronze medals in the women's boxing competition in Paris, following clearance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

This decision comes despite their disqualification from the 2023 Women's World Championships, where the IBA had claimed they failed gender eligibility tests.

The IBA, led by Russia and stripped of its status as amateur boxing's governing body by the IOC in 2019 due to governance concerns, held a news conference in Paris. 

President Umar Kremlev and CEO Chris Roberts were expected to clarify the disqualification issues. However, technical problems delayed the event, and once it started, their accounts were often inconsistent and contradictory.

Unpacking the IBA's Statements: What Was Revealed?

Roberts stated that Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting were initially tested at the 2022 World Championships in Istanbul, but the results were "inconclusive" and no action was taken. He claimed their disqualifications from the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi were based on results showing they were "ineligible" under IBA rules.

Roberts mentioned "chromosome tests," but Kremlev, speaking via video link, suggested the tests were for testosterone levels, a hormone linked to muscle mass and strength. Kremlev claimed the tests showed the athletes had "high levels of testosterone, like men."

The IBA said the tests were analyzed by two WADA-accredited labs. However, WADA clarified it does not oversee gender tests, focusing only on anti-doping.

The IOC criticized the IBA's decision as arbitrary and lacking proper procedure, defending Khelif and Lin's eligibility. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams emphasized that the athletes had competed without issues for six years.

Khelif has asserted her gender identity, while Algeria's Olympic Committee has condemned what it views as unethical attacks against her. Neither Lin nor the Taiwanese Olympic Committee has issued a comment.