Fresh off a stunning gold medal victory in Paris, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The 25-year-old, who found herself at the center of controversy during the 2024 Olympics, is already planning her next big move—both in the ring and in her career.
From Paris Glory to New Olympic Goals
Khelif became a household name last year, not just for her powerful punches, but also for the heated debate that surrounded her eligibility.
Despite being barred from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA), Khelif bounced back to dominate in Paris.
Now, she’s setting her sights on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but this time, she’s aiming higher—literally.
A Shift in Weight, but Not in Determination
In a recent chat with Spanish outlet Marca, Khelif revealed she plans to move up a weight class for the next Games.
She fought at 66kg in Paris, which sat at the top end of the welterweight range.
With weight divisions reshuffled for LA 2028, she’s eyeing the light-middleweight category (65–70kg) or even middleweight (70–75kg).
“I don’t think the move to 70kg will be an issue for me,” she said.
“I’m 1.80 meters tall, and my team and I are working on how to adjust my training for the new division.”
Looking Ahead to a Pro Career
Beyond the Olympic dream, Khelif is thinking long term. She shared that she’s also preparing to transition into professional boxing, but she’s in no rush.
“I’ll wait for the right offer. The best contract will decide when I make that jump,” she explained.
Her current focus is on maintaining a strong physical and mental foundation. “I want to do everything right this time around—better than I did in Paris.”
Fighting for More Than Medals
Khelif’s path to gold wasn’t without obstacles. Alongside Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, she was previously disqualified from competition by the IBA over so-called gender eligibility issues.
Both fighters later competed in Paris and won gold, sparking backlash from the IBA, which is now pursuing legal action against the International Olympic Committee.
Khelif hasn’t stayed silent. She strongly defended her right to compete and slammed the IBA’s allegations as “baseless” and politically motivated.
“I will pursue every legal avenue to protect my rights and ensure fairness in the sport,” she stated firmly.
New Leadership, New Rules on the Way
Looking forward, the landscape of boxing is also shifting. World Boxing, the new governing body replacing the IBA for the LA 2028 Games, is currently working on new guidelines around eligibility—including sex, age, and weight policies.
Their president, Boris van der Vorst, has emphasized their goal of creating a level playing field while ensuring safety and inclusion.
“It’s important that everyone—men and women—compete under fair and transparent rules,” he said.
A Symbol of Strength and Resilience
Despite the storm she’s weathered, Khelif sees her journey as bigger than boxing.
“I believe I’ve become a symbol for women around the world,” she told Marca, reflecting on the impact of her story.
With her eyes set on a second Olympic gold and a professional boxing future, Imane Khelif is proving that nothing—not even controversy—can keep her down.