Paris 2024 champion Imane Khelif says she will gain weight and compete in the 70-75kg category at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“I want to compete in the 70kg category in Los Angeles,” Khelif told Spanish newspaper Marca on April 16. “I won the 66kg category in Paris and I don’t think moving up in weight will be difficult. I’m 1.8 metres tall and I’m learning with my team how to best adapt to the new weight class.”
In addition to her Olympic plans, Khelif also shared her ambition to move into professional boxing. “I want to compete well and be in better shape in Paris, because I’m more balanced mentally and physically now. I’m waiting for a good contract to move into professional boxing.”
Khelif has had a turbulent 2024 Paris Olympics, facing criticism from fans and celebrities such as US President Donald Trump, Harry Potter author JK Rowling and billionaire Elon Musk.
The source of the controversy began when the Algerian boxer was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championship final for having high testosterone levels, exceeding the standard. The International Boxing Association (IBA) stepped in, conducted a DNA test and discovered that Khelif had an XY chromosome. The unit said that she “had an advantage over other women”.
However, the IOC still allowed Khelif to compete at Paris 2024 as a female athlete, by verifying her gender through passports and medical documents, similar to the methods used at Tokyo 2020 and many other international tournaments.
Despite the controversy, Khelif still affirmed that she is “a symbol for many women around the world”. In February 2025, the IBA sued the International Olympic Committee for allowing Khelif to compete at Paris 2024. Khelif has denied the “baseless allegations” and said he will take “all necessary legal steps” to protect his rights.
World Boxing, the new governing body for boxing at the Los Angeles Olympics, is expected to announce its eligibility rules in the coming weeks. World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst said a working group and the organization’s medical committee are developing policies on gender, age and weight to ensure fairness and safety for boxers.
