England Boxing admits oversight after George Francis misses Under-19 Worlds

England Boxing has acknowledged an administrative oversight after George Francis was unable to compete at the Under-19 World Championships because a required sex verification test had not been arranged. BBC Sport reported that the 18-year-old had travelled to Budva, Montenegro, expecting to represent England in the 60kg division last month, but was told shortly before the draw that he could not take part.

Watch the highlights:

Francis told the BBC that officials could not obtain and process the necessary blood sample in time. He said he had turned 18 four days before travelling and believed his recent birthday had not been accounted for when the testing arrangements were checked. That explanation of how the omission happened is his account; England Boxing's statement acknowledged the administrative error without detailing its cause.

The Essex-based boxer, a multiple national champion at schoolboy and junior level, had been preparing for his first World Championships. He described the news as devastating after sustained training for the opportunity to compete for England. His case was first reported by the Times. Francis said he now intended to turn professional and felt he had little left to pursue in amateur boxing following the missed tournament.

According to the BBC report, World Boxing introduced mandatory genetic sex testing for female competitors aged 18 and over last year, making national federations responsible for ensuring samples were processed. The rules were extended to male boxers in January. Francis called for closer checks on the arrangements so that another athlete would not lose the opportunity to compete through a similar mistake.

England Boxing said it worked with the competition organisers to examine the available options under World Boxing's regulations once the problem emerged, but could not find a resolution. It said Francis remained part of the England squad and served as its flag bearer. The governing body also committed to improving its processes and learning from the incident to prevent it happening again.

There is a difference between the two accounts of subsequent communication. Francis said his father had been contacted but that he himself had received no direct call or message from England Boxing since the episode. The organisation said it maintained communication with him and his family throughout. BBC Sport said World Boxing had been approached for comment; its report did not include a response.