Algerian boxing sensation Imane Khelif has announced her intentions to compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, with plans to move up in weight class as she pursues a second gold medal.
The 25-year-old, who captured gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris Olympics amid controversy last year, revealed her future ambitions in a recent interview with Spanish newspaper Marca.
“I’m focused on achieving a second Olympic gold in 2028, as well as preparing for the transition to professional,” Khelif told Marca. “What I want is to do a perfect job, to arrive in better shape than I did in Paris, given that I now have greater mental and physical balance.”
Khelif explained that she weighed approximately 66 kilograms (145 pounds) while competing in Paris. For the Los Angeles Games, the welterweight class has been confirmed as ranging between 60-65kg (132-143 pounds), while the light-middleweight division will span 65-70kg (143-154 pounds).
Due to these category adjustments, Khelif plans to compete at a higher weight. “With the change in weight classes, I have to compete at 70kg. In Paris, I won at 66 kg, but I don’t think this increase will be difficult for me,” she said. “I’m 1.80 m tall and I’m studying with the team how to best adapt to the new division.”
The boxer was at the center of debate during the Paris Olympics after she and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which claimed both had failed gender eligibility tests. Despite this controversy, both athletes went on to win gold medals at the Paris Games in their respective weight classes.
Beyond her Olympic aspirations, Khelif also expressed interest in transitioning to professional boxing. “For the transition to professional, I’ll be waiting for a good contract, and the best offer will convince me,” she stated.
Despite the turbulence surrounding her Olympic participation, Khelif maintains that she sees herself as a “symbol for many women around the world.”
World Boxing, the new governing body that will oversee boxing at the Los Angeles Olympics, is expected to announce eligibility rules in the coming weeks. According to Boris van der Vorst, World Boxing president, the organization is working to develop comprehensive sex, age, and weight policies aimed at creating a level playing field while ensuring boxer safety.
