Imane Khelif to make professional boxing debut in Paris

Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif is due to make her professional debut in Paris on 15 December, returning to competition for the first time since winning gold at the 2024 Games.

Khelif, who has not boxed competitively since the Paris Olympics, will face Clarida Sarabia, a boxer with four professional wins who fights under a Dutch licence.

Khelif’s participation at the Games drew controversy over questions about her eligibility. She had been barred from the 2022 and 2023 world championships after a gender test found a testosterone level above the permitted limit, the report said.

At a press conference, Khelif said she had missed the ring and was looking forward to returning for herself and her fans. She described the period since the Paris Games as difficult and said it was time to move into professional boxing.