Ex-Boxing Manager Imane Khelif declares: "He has departed from the world of boxing"
Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who made history as the gold medalist in the -66 kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has announced her retirement from the sport. The announcement was made in an interview with the French daily Nice Matin.
Despite controversies surrounding her eligibility to compete in women's competitions, Khelif's victory at the Olympics made her a symbol for Algeria. Her historic victory came against Chinese boxer Liu Yang in a closely contested final.
Khelif, who has hyperandrogenism, a condition that causes elevated testosterone levels in the blood, had faced scrutiny over her eligibility to compete in women's competitions. This controversy reignited the debate on the regulation of athletes with hyperandrogenism, and her absence from the Eindhoven Box Cup in 2025 was a result of this issue. The reason for her exclusion from the tournament is unclear, with it being unknown whether she refused to take the required gender tests or failed them.
Following her Olympic victory, Khelif primarily focused on commercial travels and sponsorships. However, her hopes for a future in professional boxing were dashed when the Nice Azur Boxe club did not have the resources to offer her a suitable contract. As of now, there has been no public statement from Khelif regarding her exclusion or her future in boxing.
Despite her retirement, Khelif's impact on the world of boxing and for Algeria remains significant. Her victory at the Olympics marked a milestone for Algerian sports, and she will always be remembered as a symbol of resilience and determination.
After her retirement, Khelif has been training between Algeria and Qatar. Her former manager, Nasser Yesfah, stated that she has left the world of boxing. However, it appears that Khelif's retirement from boxing, while not officially announced, may be definitive based on her silence and her former manager's words.
In conclusion, Imane Khelif's career in boxing was marked by controversy and achievement. Her victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics will always be remembered as a historic moment for Algerian sports, and her retirement marks the end of an era for the world of boxing. Despite her departure from the sport, Khelif's impact on the world of boxing and for Algeria remains significant.
