Algerian boxer's journey: From controversy to Olympic medal hope

The commotion surrounding Imane Khelif is in full swing. On Monday, August 5, at 10:00 AM ET, the IBA international professional boxing organization held a press conference. The IBA leadership’s intention was to remind everyone that the Algerian boxer had been disqualified by them.

However, in July of last year, the IOC decided to strip the IBA of its status as the world's governing body for boxing and allowed Imane Khelif to compete in the Paris Olympics. During the IBA press conference, a woman wrapped in an Algerian flag stormed the room.

Anyone presented in such a way would feel angry and frustrated. Imane is really strong. She boxes and responds to attacks. She is my friend, and I am also an athlete. I am on the national team and boxed here at the Olympics. I want to support my colleague. I want to tell the truth - said Roumaysa Boualam to intrigued journalists.

Let’s recall that in 2022, a gender test for the IBA revealed that the representative of Algeria has an XY chromosome. The Federation did not allow the Algerian boxer to continue competing. However, at the end of July 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled that the boxer is a woman and should be allowed to compete as a woman.

On Thursday, August 1, at 2:00 PM ET, at the Paris Olympics, there was a match between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini. The latter boxer stopped the fight just 26 seconds in. She justified her decision by saying that she had never received such strong blows. She added that she "feared for her life."

Khelif advanced to the final four in the 66 kg category. This means that she is guaranteed at least a bronze medal. In Olympic boxing, there is no fight for third place.