Olympic Champion Khelif Set for First Bout Since Paris Games on December 15
The 27-year-old Olympic champion begins her pro career after more than two years away, with coach Kamel Abdesselam saying she could reach a title shot in three to five fights.
- On Friday, Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif announced her professional boxing debut against Clarida Sarabia on December 15 in Paris, marking her first ring appearance since winning welterweight gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Khelif holds a professional license from the French Boxing Federation and postponed a planned April return following a training injury, having previously addressed 2024 Games eligibility scrutiny through hormone treatment.
- "It's been over two years since I last boxed, and I've really missed being in the ring," Khelif said, acknowledging the difficult intervening period as she transitions to professional boxing.
- Coach Kamel Abdesselam, alongside promoter Yacin Berrabah, expressed high ambitions for Khelif's career, stating, "We want to put Imane on top of the world," while comparing her to Muhammad Ali.
- Abdesselam expects Khelif to challenge for a world title within three to five professional fights, positioning the December debut as the crucial first step in her professional career.
27 Articles
27 Articles
berlingske.dk
DRImane Khelif will return to the boxing ring in December for the first time since she won gold at the Paris Olympics.
The controversial Olympian will make her professional debut in Paris on December 15th, and her coach is predicting that she will fight for the world championship title after just a few matches.
Boxing-Olympic champion Khelif set for first bout since Paris Games on December 15 - Regional Media News
Nov 6 (Reuters) - Imane Khelif is set to return to the ring for the first time since winning gold at the Paris Olympics, with the 27-year-old due to fight on December 15 in the same city where she became the Olympic champion. Algerian Khelif, [...]
Algerian boxing, Iman Khalif, returns to the arena after a long absence, in a step that opens a new chapter of her sports career.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Imane Khelif to box for first time since 2024 Olympics gender row
The Algerian won gold at the Paris Games amid an intense debate around her participation
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