Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who made history by winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal in boxing since 1996, has announced a major career shift. Just months after her triumphant victory in the women’s 66kg boxing final at the 2024 Olympics, Khelif is preparing to enter the professional boxing arena.
Khelif’s journey to Olympic glory was not without its challenges. She faced intense scrutiny and debate surrounding her gender eligibility, which led to her being barred from the 2023 World Championships. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later cleared her to compete in the Olympics, and she went on to win the gold medal in a thrilling match against China’s Yang Liu.
Despite the controversy surrounding her participation, Khelif remained focused and resilient. Her victory was widely celebrated, with a crowd of 15,000 at Roland Garros chanting her name and waving Algerian flags. Khelif’s win was not only a personal achievement but also a historic moment for Algeria, making her the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic boxing gold.
Now, Khelif is preparing to take on a new challenge in the world of professional boxing. During a press conference held on October 20, she announced that she would soon be entering the professional boxing arena, with several offers already on the table. Khelif also revealed that a documentary about her life and career is in the works.
Khelif’s decision to turn professional marks a new chapter in her career, one that is filled with excitement and possibility. As she prepares to take on the best boxers in the world, Khelif remains committed to inspiring a new generation of Algerian boxers and proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
