HUGE CONTROVERSY: Imane Khelif Announces Intention to Turn Pro
Following the huge controversy that surrounded her gold medal win in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has announced she will leave the amateur scene behind in a bid to turn professional.
Her announcement came on Monday, and it has sparked rumours about who may offer her a promotional deal.
Khelif said…
“I would like to hold a press conference today to share with you my success story with the media family and young women who watch me. There is a documentary being prepared about my success story and it will be shown on international platforms.”
“I will soon enter the world of professional boxing, I have many offers. Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing, but very soon I will take this step. We as Algerians would like to see our level in the field of professionalism.”
Matchroom and Queensbury Quiet
The obvious place for an Algerian boxer to turn pro would be Europe, and there’s no bigger boxing market in Europe than the UK.
So far though, the two biggest promoters, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have stayed very quiet on the subject. Neither man is any stranger to controversy, but they might want to see how the public reacts before making any bold moves.
There’ll be plenty of interest in Imane Khelif’s career, so it’s a guaranteed seller. It’s just whether or not either company wants the association with such a controversial figure in the women’s game. Neither promoter needs the money, so don’t be surprised if they pass up the opportunity to sign her.
Imane Khelif Boxing Record
Despite the recent issues surrounding her gender, Imane Khelif certainly doesn’t possess a terrifying record or crazy knockout power.
She has 46 wins and 9 losses on her record. Only 7 of her wins are by knockout, which doesn’t put her anywhere near the heaviest-hitting women on a pound for pound basis. The reputation for power comes from her opponent in the Olympics, Angela Carini.
Following their bout, Carini said “I was told a lot of times that I was a warrior but I preferred to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this.”
Carini has since apologised for her comments and behaviour following their bout. Apologies or not, it did absolutely nothing to quell the controversy that’s unfairly surrounded Imane Khelif ever since.
Where Now for Imane Khelif?
The announcement has been made, so it’s a question of watch this space. There’ll be a lot of offers coming her way, so there’ll be a delay.
Don’t expect a pro debut until the early to middle of 2025.
