Olympic champion Imane Khelif to make professional boxing debut in December | Boxing
Olympic Champion Imane Khelif to Make Professional Boxing Debut in Paris
Published: November 6, 2026
Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is set to make her professional boxing debut next month in Paris. This marks her first competitive appearance since she secured the welterweight title at the 2024 Olympics, amid a controversial discussion regarding gender identity.
Khelif, who has been out of the ring since her victory in Paris, is now prepared to enter the super-welterweight division. She announced her upcoming fight against Clarida Sarabia, scheduled for December 15, during a press conference held Friday with her coach Kamel Abdesselam and promoter Yacin Berrabah.
“It’s been over two years since I last boxed, and I’ve really missed being in the ring,” Khelif stated. She emphasized the challenges she has faced in recent years and expressed determination to succeed in her professional career. “The time has come to turn professional, and I’m going to give it my all.”
Khelif, who holds a professional license from France’s boxing federation, faced setbacks earlier this year when she had to postpone her return after sustaining a training injury. Abdesselam expressed optimism about Khelif’s future, predicting she could contend for a world title within three to five fights. He drew comparisons between her potential and that of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. “We want to put Imane on top of the world,” he declared.
The 27-year-old’s Olympic journey was marred by accusations regarding her gender identity. Born female, Khelif possesses the SRY gene—associated with masculinity—making her a subject of public scrutiny. In February, she disclosed in an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe that she underwent hormonal treatment to lower her testosterone levels prior to competing in the Paris Olympics.
