Imane Khelif’s former sparring partner speaks out!
Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has been pulled into an unusual and heated controversy over her gender.
Now, one of her former sparring partners is adding fuel to the fire with bizarre claims of her own.
Khelif’s rise to success detailed.
Khelif rose through the ranks of international boxing over the past several years, becoming one of Algeria’s top female athletes.
She made waves for her fierce fighting style and rapid ascension in a sport that is often dominated by men.
Gender drama explodes!
The comments ignited fresh controversy around Khelif, who was already in the spotlight for being banned by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Last year, Khelif was blocked from competing due to a failed test that, according to IBA president Umar Kremlev, showed XY chromosomes.
Khelif, who was born a woman, fiercely fought back against these claims, maintaining her stance as a female athlete.
Despite the ongoing allegations, Khelif showcased dominance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold in the welterweight division.
In the final match, Khelif defeated China’s Yang Liu, cementing her status as a top-tier boxer.
Italian boxer Angela Carini, who fought Khelif in her first Olympic bout, added fuel to the fire when she withdrew after 46 seconds.
Carini stated she had “never been hit so hard,” triggering further speculations.
Khelif speaks out.
For Khelif, this gender debate is not just an attack on her identity but also on her dignity as a human being.
She recently spoke out against the harassment she’s received, stating it “harms human dignity.”
“I send a message to all people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles,” Khelif said during an interview with SNTV.
“This kind of bullying can destroy people—it kills their thoughts, spirit, and mind,” she continued, urging for an end to the discrimination.
After her victory, Khelif was welcomed back to Algeria as a national hero.
However, the celebration didn’t last long as the controversy reignited over Nwamerue’s shocking comments.
Wild allegations detailed.
Bulgarian-Nigerian women’s boxer Joana Nwamerue recently made some eyebrow-raising statements regarding Khelif’s identity.
Nwamerue alleges that Khelif is not the woman she appears to be but, in fact, is a man.
“He is a man,” Nwamerue said flatly during an interview with Reduxx, sparking waves of confusion and outrage.
“I will stand by my words until he/she does a test to prove to the world that he/she is a woman,” Nwamerue added.
Of course, it’s important to note that Khelif has already undergone extensive testing to compete in women’s boxing.
But this hasn’t stopped Nwamerue from doubling down on her assertions.
Nwamerue tells all.
According to Nwamerue, she has evidence from sparring sessions with Khelif that backs up her claim.
“We sparred three or four times, and I have a record of everything,” she said, insisting Khelif displayed “male power and men’s techniques.”
To make things even more bizarre, Nwamerue stated that Khelif’s own teammates approached her with odd explanations.
“They told me, ‘Imane is not a man,’ but suggested she might have had changes in her testosterone or chromosomes.”
Khelif takes legal action!
Khelif has since taken legal action against those harassing her online.
But the heat hasn’t died down, especially with comments like Nwamerue’s keeping the flames alive.
Nwamerue remains adamant in her stance and insists that Khelif’s biology is in question.
The bizarre saga shows no signs of stopping, even as Khelif tries to focus on her career and move forward.
One thing’s for sure—this Olympic champion’s story is far from over.