Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxing sensation who made headlines at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has just announced a significant new direction in her career. After claiming gold in the women’s welterweight category, the 25-year-old athlete is now set to step into the world of professional boxing, marking another milestone in her already remarkable journey.

Imane Khelif became the first Algerian women’s boxer to claim gold. Credit: DeFodi Images / Getty

From Olympic Glory to Global Attention: Imane Khelif’s Rise to Fame

Imane Khelif’s performance at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of spectacular. She dominated the women’s welterweight (66kg) division, not losing a single round throughout the tournament. Her final match against China’s Yang Liu secured her place in history as the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.

However, her journey to Olympic glory wasn’t without controversy. The summer games in Paris were rife with drama, and Khelif found herself at the center of attention—sometimes for reasons unrelated to her boxing skills.

The Controversy Surrounding Khelif at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Khelif’s Olympic campaign began on August 1 with a swift victory over Italy’s Angela Carini, whom she defeated in just 46 seconds. It was a moment of triumph for the Algerian athlete, but it also marked the beginning of a media storm. Carini, devastated by the loss, was seen in tears and allegedly muttered, “It’s not fair.” The Italian boxer later refused to shake Khelif’s hand, adding fuel to an already tense situation.

In the days following Khelif’s victory, rumors about her gender eligibility began to circulate on social media. Despite Khelif being listed as female on her official documents and always identifying as a woman, misinformation spread rapidly, suggesting that she was transgender and questioning her right to compete in women’s boxing. The uproar was not without context; Khelif had been previously barred from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) over gender eligibility criteria, a decision criticized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its flawed methods.

High-Profile Backlash and Misinformation: The Social Media Frenzy

The controversy quickly escalated, with several high-profile figures chiming in. Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and J.K. Rowling were among those who made public comments about Khelif. Trump, in particular, made headlines for his remarks on a podcast with WWE star The Undertaker, where he misgendered Khelif and falsely claimed she had transitioned from male to female.

“Did you see that beautiful Italian girl? She’s supposed to be a good boxer. She took just a left jab. The guy goes boom,” Trump said, according to the Daily Mail.

This wave of misinformation prompted Khelif to take legal action, filing a lawsuit against Musk’s social media platform, X, for enabling online harassment against her.

Imane Khelif’s Response to Adversity: Staying Focused on the Goal

Despite the media frenzy and personal attacks, Khelif remained undeterred in her pursuit of victory. Her ability to maintain composure and focus during such a tumultuous time underscores her strength both as an athlete and an individual.

Credit: DeFodi Images / Getty

After clinching the gold medal, Khelif addressed the controversy head-on, emphasizing her commitment to the sport and her pride in representing Algeria on the world stage:

“Winning this medal is for all the young women who face challenges every day. I hope my story inspires others to believe in themselves, no matter the obstacles.”

Imane Khelif’s Next Big Move: Stepping into Professional Boxing

Following her Olympic triumph, Khelif recently announced her plans to transition into professional boxing. Speaking at a press conference, she shared:

“I would like to hold a press conference today to share my success story with the media family and young women who watch me… There is a documentary being prepared about my success story, and it will be shown on international platforms.”

The news marks a bold new chapter in Khelif’s career. While she has not yet decided on her professional debut or where she will compete, she revealed that she has received numerous offers from international promoters.

Imane Khelif won the gold medal after beating Liu Yang: Andy Cheung / Getty

“Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing. But very soon I will take this step. We, as Algerians, would like to see our level in the field of professionalism,” she concluded.

The Impact of Imane Khelif’s Career on Algerian Boxing

Khelif’s success is a landmark moment for Algerian sports, particularly women’s boxing. Her rise not only inspires aspiring female athletes in Algeria but also paves the way for greater recognition and support for women’s sports in the region. Her journey represents a shift in the global boxing scene, proving that skill and determination can break barriers, regardless of nationality or background.

The Road Ahead: Imane Khelif’s Professional Boxing Ambitions

As Khelif prepares to enter the professional boxing world, her focus is set on elevating her career even further. The professional circuit is a different ballgame, filled with its own set of challenges, but Khelif’s determination and resilience make her a promising contender.

Fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting updates on her next steps, with the possibility of high-profile bouts and championship titles on the horizon. Khelif’s transition to professional boxing could also lead to potential rematches with rivals, allowing her to settle old scores on a grander stage.

Conclusion

Imane Khelif’s journey from Olympic champion to aspiring professional boxer is a story of triumph, controversy, and resilience. Her transition into professional boxing marks a bold new chapter, filled with opportunities to further establish her legacy. Despite facing intense scrutiny and personal attacks, Khelif remains committed to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.

With her sights now set on professional glory, there’s no doubt that Khelif will continue to make headlines, both inside and outside the ring.