ALGIERS – Algerian boxer and Olympic champion Imane Khelif on Aug 20 denied claims made by her former manager that she was putting her career on hold.
The 26-year-old was at the centre of a gender row at last summer’s Paris Games where she won gold in the women’s 66kg category.
“I would like to make it clear to the public that the reports of my retirement from boxing are false,” Khelif wrote on her Facebook page.
She accused her former manager, Nasser Yesfah, of “betraying (her) trust and (her) country with his false and malicious statements”.
“This person no longer represents me in any way,” she added.
“I have never announced my retirement from boxing. I remain committed to my sporting career, I train regularly and I maintain my physical condition between Algeria and Qatar in preparation for upcoming events.”
French newspaper Nice Matin earlier on Aug 20 cited quotes from her former manager saying that she had hung up her gloves, without specifying whether it was for good.
The world boxing championships are due to take place in Liverpool from Sept 4 to 14. The deadline to enter the event is on Aug 25.
In other news, Jake Paul will fight the unbeaten Gervonta Davis on Nov 14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia in a bout that will be streamed live on Netflix, promoters said on Aug 20.
Davis has been the WBA (World Boxing Association) lightweight champion since Devin Haney vacated the belt in 2023, but the American’s title will not be on the line against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul due to the size difference between the two boxers.
Paul, a cruiserweight, weighed in at 199.4 pounds (90.45 kg) ahead of his win over Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June, while Davis fought Lamont Roach at 133.8 pounds in March.
No details have been provided on the weight limit for the fight.
“Yes, he’s one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, but my motto is anyone, anytime, anyplace, against all odds. And I like my odds,” Paul wrote on X.
Davis is undefeated in 31 fights as a professional, winning 30 and drawing one, while Paul has a record of 12 wins and one defeat. AFP, REUTERS
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