English boxer says testing mix-up cost him Under-19 World Championships

An 18-year-old English boxer says he was barred from last month’s Under-19 World Championships in Montenegro because England Boxing failed to arrange a required sex verification test in time.

George Francis was due to compete in the 60kg category. He told BBC Sport he was informed only hours before the draw that he was ineligible, after an “administrative oversight” meant the organisation could not provide his blood sample in time.

“I was just broken,” Francis said, describing his reaction to being told he could not compete. He said he had trained non-stop for the chance to represent England at his first world championships.

World Boxing extended its sex-testing rules to male boxers in January. National federations are responsible for ensuring samples are processed. Francis said he had turned 18 four days before travelling and believed his eligibility had not been checked in time.

He said missing the championships had also cost him the chance to try to qualify for the Olympics. Francis, who is planning to turn professional, said he felt there was “nothing really left” for him as an amateur.

England Boxing acknowledged that an administrative oversight had occurred. It said it worked with competition organisers to explore options under World Boxing’s rules, but a resolution was not possible. The organisation said it had maintained communication with Francis and his family, that he remained a valued member of the England team and that it would strengthen its processes to prevent a recurrence.

Francis said his father had been contacted by England Boxing, but that he had not received a call or message himself. The organisation said it had kept the family informed. World Boxing had been approached for comment.