n a shocking turn of events, Imane Khelif, a once-celebrated boxer, has been hit with a lifetime ban from the sport. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has officially declared Khelif as male, leading to the revocation of all his medals and the reclaiming of a $25 million prize.

The decision comes after a thorough investigation by the WBO, which concluded that Khelif, who had previously competed in female boxing categories, was in fact male. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, raising questions about the integrity of the sport and the effectiveness of its regulatory bodies.

Khelif, who had garnered significant acclaim and numerous titles during his career, responded strongly to the ban. In a statement released to the press, he expressed disbelief and frustration, claiming that the decision was unjust and that he had always competed fairly within the rules provided by the sport’s governing bodies.

The WBO, however, stood firm on their decision. In their official statement, they emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness and integrity in the sport. “We must ensure that all athletes compete on an equal footing. The discovery that Mr. Khelif was competing in categories not aligned with his true gender has led us to this unfortunate but necessary decision,” the statement read.

The organization has also moved to strip Khelif of all the medals and titles he had won throughout his career. This includes the prestigious $25 million prize, which was awarded to him after his victory in a high-profile bout earlier this year. The WBO announced that the prize would be reclaimed and redistributed in accordance with the organization’s regulations.

The news has sparked intense debate among fans, athletes, and experts alike. Some argue that the WBO’s decision was a necessary step to preserve the sport’s integrity, while others believe that Khelif has been unfairly targeted and that the punishment is too severe.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the impact of this decision on Khelif’s career and legacy remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that this incident will have lasting repercussions on the world of boxing, potentially leading to stricter regulations and more rigorous checks on athletes in the future.