Tony Bellew Defends Imane Khelif Amid Gender Controversy After Winning Gold at Paris Olympics.

Tony Bellew has stepped forward to defend Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif, who found herself at the center of a gender controversy during the Paris Games. The Algerian boxer, who won gold in the women’s 66kg event, faced intense scrutiny and criticism after questions arose regarding her eligibility to compete in women’s boxing.

Khelif’s participation sparked heated discussions, especially after Italian fighter Angela Carini forfeited their bout just 46 seconds in. The controversy escalated when it was revealed that Khelif, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, had been disqualified from the 2023 World Championship by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for reportedly failing a gender eligibility test.

Despite this setback, Khelif persevered and defeated four opponents to clinch the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming a focal point of the Games. Her journey has been marked by fierce debate, as her participation was defended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), contrasting with her prior disqualification by the IBA.

Speaking to Instant Casino, former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew expressed strong support for Khelif, stating, “If you’re born a woman, you’ll want to fight a woman—that’s very, very fair.” Bellew criticized the ongoing agenda against Khelif, emphasizing that as long as she is proven to be a clean athlete, her participation is justified.

Bellew’s defense comes amid widespread criticism from various public figures, including former US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Bellew added that finding the truth on social media is nearly impossible due to conflicting narratives and personal biases, further complicating Khelif’s situation.

Khelif has been vocal about her right to compete, firmly stating, “I am a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, have lived as a woman, and competed as a woman—there is no doubt about that.” Despite this, she has faced accusations of having male XY chromosomes, although she is not transgender and was born female. The IBA, however, has largely avoided addressing the specifics of their eligibility testing process.

The controversy has deeply affected Khelif, who admitted to being hurt by the criticism and negative attention from politicians, athletes, and celebrities. She highlighted the support she received from her home country and the Arab world, which helped her overcome the challenges she faced.

Khelif’s story highlights the complex issues surrounding gender eligibility in sports, with many calling for clearer guidelines and a more transparent approach from governing bodies. While her participation remains a point of contention, Bellew and others argue that fairness should prevail, allowing female athletes to compete in their rightful categories.

As the debate continues, Khelif’s determination and success serve as a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity. Watch this space for more updates on this ongoing story and the impact it may have on the future of women’s sports.