A former opponent who faced Imane Khelif claimed in shock that Imane Khelif is a man and questioned how she has been ‘biologically altered.
The world of boxing has been shaken by accusations against Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif.
A former training partner has stirred controversy by labeling Khelif as ‘a man’.
The boxer even alleged that Imana Khelif has undergone ‘biological alteration’ due to her unique training environment.
These claims have emerged amid intense global scrutiny over gender eligibility in sports.
Imana Khelif was accused of being a man
Joana Nwamerue, a Bulgarian-Nigerian women’s boxer, has sparked outrage with her recent remarks. She is a former sparring partner of Imane Khelif.
Former opponent, Nwamerue has called Khelif ‘a man’.
She suggested that her performance in the ring was influenced by ‘male power and male techniques.’
These comments stem from their sparring session in February, which Nwamerue claims revealed Khelif’s unusual strength and technique.
‘[Khelif] has some kind of internal issues. But he is a man. I will stay [by] my words until he/she does a test to prove to the world that he/she is a woman. But we all know that won’t happen,’ Nwamerue told Reduxx.
‘I think we played 3-4 sparring sessions. I have a record of everything and confirm that this is a man to me. Male power. Men’s techniques, everything,’ she added.
Nwameruse, former opponent of Khelif also accused her of being ‘biologically altered.’
During the interview, Nwamerue suggested that Khelif’s time training in the mountains of Algeria may have contributed to her condition. She described these changes as ‘biological alterations.’
Addionally, According to Nwamerue, Khelif’s teammates alleged that the high-altitude environment could have impacted her testosterone levels or chromosomes.
Previously, Imane Khelif faced criticism after failing the Geneder test.
Imane Khelif, born female and not transgender, had previously competed without issue.
However, she faced disqualification last year after the International Boxing Association (IBA) detected elevated testosterone levels in her system.
This occurred following her victory over Russian boxer Azalia Amineva in the 2023 tournament.
The IBA, under the leadership of Umar Kremlev, who has significant ties to Russia, reported concerns regarding Khelif’s hormone levels. They also raised issues about her chromosome composition.
WhIle Her coach, Georges Cazorla, confirmed the presence of ‘a problem with hormones’ and potential XY chromosomes. This is typical of male biology.
Cazorla expressed concern, saying, “This poor young girl was devastated to suddenly discover that she might not be a girl.”
Khelif has filed a legal complaint after being accused of being a man.
The allegations against Imane Khelif highlight ongoing tensions surrounding gender and eligibility in sports.
She expressed her feelings after her win: ‘For eight years, this has been my dream, and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold medalist’.
After being accused, Khelif is seeking justice for what she describes as cyber harassment and discrimination.
While, her lawyer, Nabil Boud, emphasized that the complaint aims to address the misogynistic and racist campaign against Khelif.
Khelif’s lawyer Nabil Boud said on Saturday:
‘Ms Khelif has recruited (our) firm which has filed, yesterday, a complaint for aggravated cyber harassment with the online hate unit of the Paris prosecutor’s’ office.
‘The criminal investigation will determine who has initiated this misogynistic, racist and sexist campaign but will also focus on who has fed this digital lynching.
‘The unfair harassment suffered by this champion boxer will remain the greatest stain of these Olympic Games.’
The boxer was celebrated with a hero’s welcome upon returning to Algeria after winning the gold medal.