Boxer George Francis barred from Worlds due to administrative error

George Francis, a multiple schoolboy and junior national champion, was set to fight in the 60kg category in Budva, Montenegro. However, he was informed hours before the draw that he was ineligible because England Boxing forgot to arrange his sex verification test. World Boxing introduced mandatory genetic sex testing for female competitors last year and extended the rules to include male boxers in January. Francis stated he was left devastated and broken by the oversight, which he says ended his amateur career as he now plans to turn professional.