Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who stirred up controversy during the 2024 Paris Olympics, is ready to embark on an exciting professional boxing journey.
This decision comes after her gold medal victory in the women’s welterweight category this summer, an achievement that was overshadowed by intense discussions surrounding her gender.
Olympic Controversy
Khelif’s Olympic participation wasn’t without its challenges.
In 2023, she was disqualified from the Women’s World Boxing Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) over gender eligibility issues, following claims that she did not pass a gender eligibility test.
Despite these allegations, Khelif firmly asserted her identity as a woman, with her father presenting her birth certificate as proof of her gender.
Throughout the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood by Khelif’s right to compete, even as the credibility of the IBA’s test results faced scrutiny.
The IBA, which labeled Khelif a “biological male,” has been under the IOC’s scrutiny for its governance and alleged connections to the Kremlin.
Since 2019, the IBA has been suspended by the IOC due to concerns regarding its finances and ethical practices.
Turning Professional
Now, despite the controversies, Khelif is set to transition into professional boxing.
She expressed her excitement during a press conference, stating, “I would like to share my success story with the media family and young women who watch me.”
Khelif mentioned that a documentary about her journey is in the works, aiming for international release.
She’s received several offers and is eager to represent Algeria on a professional stage.
Support from the Boxing Community
Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has also shown interest in Khelif’s career.
When asked if he would consider promoting her, Hearn responded affirmatively, emphasizing her talent and growing commercial appeal, noting her rise in Instagram followers from 30,000 to over two million.
However, he acknowledged that there might be undisclosed facts surrounding her gender situation, prompting a need for transparency.
Online Harassment and Legal Action
The fallout from Khelif’s Olympic participation attracted significant attention, with public figures like JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump commenting on the situation, which led to a wave of harassment against her.
Khelif’s attorney, Nabil Boudi, has taken legal action against several individuals for their derogatory remarks about her gender online, although no specific names have been included in the lawsuit.
Khelif shared her feelings on the intense scrutiny, stating it had deeply affected her.
She expressed her confusion over the motivations of those who targeted her, stating, “I am not lying to you, it affected me. It hurt me a lot. I can’t describe the fear I felt.”
She highlighted the overwhelming support she received from the Algerian and Arab communities, who recognized her for her femininity, courage, and determination.
A Symbol of National Pride
Khelif’s achievement in the women’s 66kg category was celebrated back home, and she had the honor of carrying the Algerian flag during the closing ceremony of the Olympics.
She even met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marking a significant moment in her career.
As Imane Khelif prepares to step into the professional boxing arena, she carries with her not just the weight of her gold medal but also the hopes of her nation and the resilience she has shown in the face of adversity.
What’s next for this remarkable athlete remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: she’s ready to fight for her place in the ring and beyond.
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