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Olympic boxing sensation Imane Khelif has announced her decision to transition into professional boxing, marking the next chapter in her career following a summer filled with both triumph and controversy. The 25-year-old Algerian star captured Olympic gold in the women’s 66kg category at the Paris Games, but her victory was clouded by ongoing debates surrounding her gender eligibility.
Khelif's journey to the top was not without hurdles. The controversy began when the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified her from competing in last year’s World Championships due to an alleged failure of a gender eligibility test, despite her being born female and identifying as such. The test results were met with skepticism, as many questioned the legitimacy of the IBA’s standards.
Fortunately for Khelif, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stepped in by removing the IBA as the governing body, allowing her to participate in the Paris Olympics. Her performance at the Games was nothing short of spectacular, securing her a gold medal. However, the debate surrounding her gender continued to rage, drawing widespread attention to the broader issue of gender testing in sports.
Now, fresh off her Olympic success, Khelif is ready to take on the professional boxing world. In a recent press conference, she officially announced her decision to turn professional, though she has yet to finalize the details of her debut. Khelif expressed excitement about her future in the sport, stating:
“I will soon enter the world of professional boxing, I have many offers. Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing.”
As she prepares to make her mark in the professional ranks, Khelif’s journey will continue to be closely watched, both for her incredible talent and the controversies that have surrounded her rise. Her move to the professional stage adds another layer to an already remarkable and turbulent career.
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