How the controversy erupted

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, 25, has been at the center of a heated controversy, with critics calling for her to be banned from women’s boxing. The backlash intensified after she was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships over disputed claims that she failed gender eligibility tests.

Tests conducted by the controversial International Boxing Association (IBA) reportedly found that Imane Khelif has male XY chromosomes.

Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete, leading to outrage from the IBA, which has since filed legal action against the Olympic governing body.

At the Paris Olympics, controversy erupted during the women’s 66kg quarterfinal match. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif landed a powerful punch that forced Italy’s Angela Carini out of the ring — just 46 seconds into the fight. Carini withdrew, citing ‘severe pain’ from the blow.

The event led to people who were speculating about Khelif’s gender not being ”biologically female” to further question it and think it was unfair for Italy’s Carini to have to go against someone who was not ”female.”

Facing legal action

Despite the uproar, Khelif went on to claim gold in the welterweight division at the Paris Olympics. But the question now is whether she’ll get the chance to defend her gold in Los Angeles 2028.

Now, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing legal action for allowing her to compete.

Adding fuel to the fire, President Donald Trump recently reignited the debate, signing an executive order titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports. He took direct aim at Khelif, referring to her as a ”male boxer” who had ”transitioned” and ”stole the women’s gold medal after brutalizing his female opponent.”