Sport · World News Bureau
Olympic boxing champion Khelif set for pro debut in December
Algeria's Imane Khelif will step into the professional boxing ring for the first time following her gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, where she faced intense scrutiny over eligibility questions.
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Khelif will make her professional debut in December, marking her return to competition since capturing the welterweight gold at Paris 2024. The Algerian boxer's Olympic triumph was accompanied by significant controversy, as questions about her eligibility drew international attention and sparked widespread debate across sports organizations and media outlets.
During the Paris Games, Khelif advanced through the competition despite the eligibility row, ultimately securing gold in her weight category. Her path to the professional ranks comes as she seeks to establish herself beyond the Olympic spotlight and build a career in the paid ranks.
The timing of her professional debut represents a significant milestone for Khelif, who will transition from amateur to professional competition several months after her Olympic success. Details regarding her opponent and venue for the December bout have yet to be announced.
Khelif's move to professional boxing follows a pattern common among successful Olympic medallists seeking to capitalize on their achievements and secure financial opportunities in the sport. Her debut is expected to draw considerable interest from boxing audiences globally.