Paris Olympics 2024: Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Sparks Controversy.

Boxing Paris Olympics 2024

Paris Olympics 2024: Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Sparks Controversy.

On the sixth day of the women’s boxing competition at the Paris Olympics, the spotlight shifted from defending welterweight champion Busenaz Surmeneli of Turkey, who began her title defense with a victory, to a brewing controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. 

Khelif’s participation has sparked significant debate, overshadowing the day’s matches and capturing the attention of the boxing world.

Imane Khelif, who has faced controversy for failing a gender eligibility test last year, advanced to the welterweight quarter-finals when Italian Angela Carini withdrew after just 46 seconds due to severe nose pain. 

Khelif will next compete against either Hungary's Luca Anna Hamori or Australia's Marissa Williamson on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Turkey's Busenaz Surmeneli, who won Turkey's first boxing gold in Tokyo, is one win away from securing another medal after a 4-1 victory over Poland's Aneta Rygielska.