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Olympic Gold Medalist Imane Khelif Announces Professional Boxing Career Despite Controversy
Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif is set to enter professional boxing following her remarkable gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, even as she navigates ongoing public scrutiny and legal challenges.
The 25-year-old welterweight champion, who dominated her Olympic matches against notable opponents including Hungary's Luca Anna Hamori and Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng, made her announcement during a recent press conference. "I have many offers, and soon I will take this step," Khelif stated, expressing her ambition to showcase Algeria's boxing prowess in the professional arena.
Her Olympic triumph, however, has been overshadowed by a complex controversy stemming from her disqualification from the 2023 World Championships over eligibility questions. The International Boxing Association (IBA) raised concerns related to XY chromosomes but stopped short of making specific allegations. Despite these challenges, Khelif maintained her focus and secured Olympic gold for Algeria.
British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, known for managing prominent athletes like Anthony Joshua, has shown interest in signing Khelif. While acknowledging the situation's complexity, Hearn defended her right to compete: "If you've lived your whole life as a female and competed as a female, you have a right to compete as a female."
The controversy has extended beyond the ring, leading Khelif to take legal action against cyberbullying. In August, she filed a complaint with the Paris prosecutor's office targeting several high-profile individuals, including Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling. Her lawyer, Nabil Boudi, characterized the online attacks as "misogynistic, racist and sexist," noting that this "digital lynching" has marred the Olympic Games.
As Khelif prepares for her professional career, a documentary chronicling her journey is currently in production. Her story continues to spark discussions about gender, sports, and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
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