Boxing World Shaken as Imane Khelif Hit with Lifetime Ban After WBO Recognizes Him as Male
In a stunning development that’s rocked the boxing world, former champion Imane Khelif has been handed a lifetime ban after the World Boxing Organization (WBO) officially recognized him as a man.
The decision doesn’t just strip Khelif of his titles—it also erases a decorated career, including a reported $25 million in prize money and a collection of prestigious medals and awards.
The ruling has sparked intense debate over gender identity, fairness in sports, and the future of inclusion in athletic competition.
A Fall from the Top
Khelif had become a household name in the boxing world—known for his remarkable skill, unbeaten streaks, and magnetic presence in the ring. Once considered a future Hall of Famer, his career trajectory was abruptly upended by the WBO’s recent decision.
Initially recognized as a female athlete, Khelif competed and excelled in women’s boxing. But after undergoing medical evaluations as part of the WBO’s updated gender verification process, the organization determined that Khelif no longer met the eligibility requirements for women’s competition.
As a result, all of his wins, titles, medals, and financial earnings have been revoked.
$25 Million Lost—and a Legacy in Question
The financial hit alone is staggering. Khelif’s estimated $25 million in career earnings was a testament to his success and marketability. But with the WBO’s ruling, that legacy has been all but erased. Alongside the loss of prize money came the forfeiture of championship titles and career-defining accolades.
Supporters argue that these accomplishments were earned through skill and hard work, regardless of gender, and shouldn’t be dismissed retroactively.
Public Outcry and a Divided Response
News of the decision sparked a wave of reactions across the boxing community and beyond. Fans voiced everything from anger and disbelief to empathy and support for Khelif.
Critics of the ruling question the fairness of punishing an athlete based on a change in gender classification—especially when Khelif previously competed in accordance with the rules at the time. They argue that athletes navigating gender identity should not be penalized for decisions that were made within the boundaries of sport regulations.
However, others say the WBO is doing what’s necessary to ensure fair play. They argue that in physically demanding sports like boxing, biological differences must be taken into account to maintain competitive integrity.
A Precedent in the Making?
The controversy could set a precedent not just for boxing, but for professional sports more broadly. With increasing scrutiny around gender verification in athletics, especially in combat sports, organizations may soon face mounting pressure to adopt clear and consistent policies.
Khelif’s case raises critical questions: How should sports bodies approach gender identity? Can past achievements be invalidated based on new rulings? And what support systems exist for athletes caught in the middle of evolving rules?
What’s Next for Khelif?
At 32, Khelif still has time to reshape his career—but the path forward is unclear. So far, he has not commented publicly on the WBO’s decision or whether he plans to appeal it. Some speculate he may challenge the ruling in court or consider competing in a different league or division. Others wonder if he might leave boxing entirely.
Prominent boxers and coaches have weighed in on the issue. Some have expressed sympathy, saying the decision tarnishes years of effort and sacrifice. Others believe the ruling is necessary to protect fairness and uphold competition standards.
