Imane Khelif has raised eyebrows at the Paris Olympics after making
Italian opponent Angela Carini abandon their women’s welterweight boxing
match.

Khelif is a name to know in women’s boxing after previously being mired
in gender controversy.

Here’s a rundown of what to know about Khelif.

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She’s from Algeria
Khelif was born in Tiaret, Algeria, and represents them on an
international stage. She’s 25 years old and competes in the women’s
66-kg light welterweight division.

She’s been in 14 boxing matches, posting a 9-5 record in official
competitions.

Khelif fought for Algeria in the lightweight event at the delayed Tokyo
Olympics three years ago. Ireland’s Kellie Harrington defeated her in
the quarterfinals.

She found her stride, however, at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing
Championships where she became the first Algerian woman to reach the finals.

Khelif was defeated by Amy Broadhurst of Ireland in the final.

Khelif failed to meet eligibility for high testosterone
There was a bit of a setback to her boxing career in 2023, when Khelif
was abruptly disqualified from the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing
Championships.

Algeria initially claimed that it was for “medical reasons” but it was
revealed the DQ was due to high levels of testosterone.

IBA president Umar Kremlev said the DNA test results of Khelif “proved
they had XY chromosomes.” Khelif tried to appeal these findings but
later withdrew it.

However, the International Olympic Committee uses a different rule set
and cleared Khelif to compete at the Paris Olympics.

2024 Olympics controversy
The IOC’s decision may come with some backlash after Khelif made her
first opponent abandon their boxing match.

Her opponent, Carini, was warned not to fight Khelif, according to her
coach, Emanuele Renzini.

“Many people in Italy tried to call and tell her: ‘Don’t go please: it’s
a man, it’s dangerous for you,” Renzini told reporters.

After being struck multiple times in the face, the Italian finally had
enough.

The Algerian boxer has drawn the attention of Elon Musk and Riley
Gaines, who seem dissatisfied with her ability to compete.

This rendition of the Olympic games has had its fair share of
controversy and Khelif’s rise to boxing fame has had significant backlash.

https://nypost.com/sports/who-is-imane-khelif-the-algerian-boxer-in-gender-eligibility-controversy/