Olympic Boxing Champion Imane Khelif Announces Professional Debut in Paris
Algerian Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif announced her transition to professional boxing, with her debut scheduled for next month in Paris following years of controversy.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who captured global attention during the Paris Olympics, has announced her transition to professional boxing. Nearly two and a half years after winning Olympic gold amid intense controversy and claims regarding her gender from figures such as Donald Trump and J.K. Rowling, Khelif is set to make her professional debut next month in Paris.
Reflecting on her return to the ring, Khelif stated that the past two years have been challenging, but her passion for the sport remained steadfast. "Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. I waited, I doubted, but deep inside the fire never went out, and I kept fighting," she said, adding that her upcoming bout is dedicated to everyone who doubted her.
Her coach believes that within three to five fights, Khelif will be ready to contend for world championship titles. While new gender testing regulations by the International Olympic Committee could impact her future amateur eligibility, Khelif is now focused on her promising professional career.
