News Desk

The Advocate Post: Boxer Imane Khelif will fight for an Olympic gold medal on Friday after putting aside the row surrounding her eligibility to comprehensively win her semi-final against JanjaemSuwannapheng in Paris.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) excluded the Algerian welterweight competitor from last year’s World Championships due to her alleged failure to pass gender eligibility tests. Nevertheless, she is one of two boxers fighting in Paris.

Under the cover of Court Philippe Chatrier, the French tennis stadium converted for the boxing finals, Khelif won by unanimous decision after dominating her Thai opponent.

She was eliminated in the Tokyo quarterfinals three years prior, but this victory guaranteed her a spot in her maiden Olympic final.

In an attempt to become Algeria’s first-ever boxing gold medallist, she will compete against Liu Yang of China in the gold medal match.

“I am concentrated,” declared the 25-year-old.
“My goal and a strong performance are why I’m here. I’ll give the final everything I’ve got.”

At the World Championships the previous year, Khelif defeated Suwannapheng by unanimous vote before the IBA disqualified him.

The Algerian appeared more assured than she has at any other time this week as the audience screamed her name as she stepped into the ring.

She let down her guard and danced on the canvas when the outcome was verified, and the two fighters shared an embrace at the conclusion of a friendly fight.

Suwannapheng remarked, “I wasn’t following it closely, but I had heard about the news regarding her.”

Though a lady, she possesses great strength. Although I attempted to use my speed, my opponent was simply too powerful.”

Khelif went on, “I’m overjoyed. I’m grateful for all of the help I’ve received in Paris.  
Last week, Khelif’s Games got underway with a victory over Angela Carini. The Italian withdrew after just 46 seconds, claiming that she “had to preserve” her life.