Boxing chiefs on Friday pledged to redouble efforts to get their message across about newly introduced genetic sex tests after a row overshadowed the start of the world championships.

Twelve boxers have reportedly been barred from competing in Liverpool, including the five-member women's team from France, after they missed the deadline for test results to be submitted.

French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq described the decision as "inadmissible" and the French federation, FFBoxe, reacted angrily.

The BBC reported that another seven athletes, from the Dominican Republic, Fiji, Nigeria and the Philippines, were unable to compete.

Maelys Richol, one of the five French boxers affected, said she felt "frustration, anger and disappointment".

World Boxing blamed the national federations, say

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