Topic analysis

Imane Khelif's first pro opponent: 'I'm not scared'

Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif will make her professional debut against Germany's Julia Igel in Paris on April 23, 2026, a match mired in controversy over Khelif's eligibility in women's boxing. Igel, who has raised concerns about Khelif's biological traits including XY chromosomes and the SRY gene giving an unfair advantage, asserts she is not scared of the fight and aims to use it to advocate for stricter eligibility standards, while Khelif—assigned female at birth—has defended her right to compete, citing natural differences and reduced testosterone levels.