Controversial Olympic Boxer Lin Yu-ting Wins Match with 94-Second Knockout

Taiwanese Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-ting returned to the boxing ring in dominant fashion, knocking out her opponent just 94 seconds into the first round at Taiwan’s National Games.

The 29-year-old boxer, who won gold in the featherweight division at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has been at the center of an ongoing gender eligibility controversy. Lin was previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender verification test.

Despite the controversy, Lin — who identifies as female and is recognized as such on her passport — was cleared to compete under Taiwan’s domestic sports regulations.

During the bout, Lin delivered a series of powerful punches against 19-year-old Pan Yan-fei, forcing Pan’s coach to throw in the towel after several head shots left her visibly struggling to continue. The referee stopped the fight less than two minutes into the opening round.

Local reports confirmed that Pan’s condition was stable following the match, though no further medical details were disclosed.

World Boxing introduced mandatory genetic sex testing for boxers aged 18 and above earlier this year to clarify eligibility criteria for international competitions. The move came after Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who both possess XY chromosomes, faced scrutiny and temporary suspension.

Lin’s coach, Tseng Tzu-chiang, described the win as “routine” and declined to comment on the regulatory debate surrounding his athlete.

The victory marks Lin’s first major return to competition since the Paris Olympics, reigniting discussions around gender eligibility in women’s boxing.