Former Boxing Star Imane Khelif Banned for Life After WBO Declares He Is Male
In a stunning move that rocked the boxing world, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has issued a lifetime ban against former champion Imane Khelif after officially recognizing him as a man. The decision has stripped Khelif of all his titles, medals, and an estimated $25 million in prize money.
The announcement has ignited fierce debate over gender identity, fairness in sport, and the future of transgender and gender-nonconforming athletes in professional competition.
Khelif, once hailed as one of boxing’s brightest female stars, built a reputation for technical brilliance, resilience, and charisma in the ring. He quickly became a global fan favorite and was on track for a Hall of Fame career.
But that trajectory was abruptly derailed when the WBO stated it had re-evaluated Khelif’s gender following new medical assessments. The organization initially accepted Khelif’s identity as a woman, but later reversed course, stating he no longer met the criteria to compete in the women’s division. As a result, all of Khelif’s accolades and financial rewards have been rescinded.
The $25 million in career earnings, once seen as a testament to his skill and impact, is now off the table. His medals—including world championships and prestigious awards—have also been stripped.
Fans and analysts have responded with a mix of outrage, confusion, and concern. Supporters argue that Khelif competed within the rules in place at the time and that his past achievements should not be erased retroactively. Others argue the WBO’s decision reflects the need for fairness in women’s sports, particularly in combat disciplines where physical differences can influence outcomes.
The case has brought renewed attention to the contentious issue of gender identity in competitive sports. While advocates call for more inclusive policies, critics argue that clear guidelines are necessary to ensure fair competition.
Some sports organizations have begun rethinking their gender verification procedures, and Khelif’s case may set a major precedent. Depending on how other federations respond, this could reshape how transgender and non-binary athletes are treated across all levels of professional sports.
At just 32 years old, Khelif’s future in boxing is now uncertain. It’s unclear whether he will challenge the WBO’s decision legally, pursue opportunities in another boxing organization, or retire from the sport entirely.
Khelif has yet to issue a public statement, but with media attention intensifying, the next steps he takes could have wide-reaching implications—not just for him, but for the entire world of combat sports.
Reactions across the boxing community remain deeply divided. Some prominent figures have voiced their support for Khelif, while others insist the ruling is necessary to uphold competitive integrity.
One thing is certain: the conversation about gender, identity, and fairness in sports is far from over.
