Olympic boxer Khelif’s upcoming opponent, Anna Luca Hamori, has stated she is ‘not scared’ amid controversy over gender eligibility test.
Olympic boxer Imane Khelif sparks controversy about her gender
The 2024 Paris Olympics have sparked heated debate surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
Imane Khelif is a talented boxer from Algeria. She has made her mark in the sport and is preparing for her upcoming matches at the Olympic Games.
However, Khelif reportedly did not pass the International Boxing Association (IBA) gender eligibility test.
She was also disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to elevated testosterone levels.
Her appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics has led to concerns among fans and athletes about fairness in competition.
Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed her eligibility to compete in the women’s division.
Anna Luca Hamori speaks out about the next competition against controversial Olympic boxer Imane Khelif
Recently, Anna Luca Hamori made headlines when she boldly stated that she is not afraid of Khelif’s strength amid the ongoing gender eligibility debate.
In a recent interview, when asked about the controversial 46-second fight between Khelif and Carini, Anna Luca Hamori spoke out straightforwardly.
“It was her choice,” Hamori said.
“I don’t understand, because I thought every boxer’s mind is the same as mine, to never give up.
But it was her choice. We don’t know what was the reason. It’s her life, but I know I want to do this in my own life.”
Olympic boxer Khelif’s next rival Anna Luca Hamori stated she’s not scared
Hamori also shared she is aware of the discussions surrounding Khelif’s situation.
She has publicly stated that she does not feel frightened by these circumstances.
In her view, the sport of boxing should focus on the athletes’ skills and dedication rather than the debates about gender.
She believes that every athlete deserves the chance to compete, regardless of the surrounding controversies.
Hamori’s confidence is noteworthy, as she is preparing to step into the ring against Khelif, a boxer who forced her former opponent Carini to abandon the fight after just 46 seconds.
“I’m not scared,” Hamori told reporters.
“I don’t care about the press story and social media. If she or he is a man, it will be a bigger victory for me if I win,” Hamori confidently stated.
Hamori, the first Hungarian Olympic boxer, will face Khelif in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
“I have avoided learning much about the controversy as it would be a distraction in my preparation,” Hamori said.
“My goal is to win my fight, and I believe I have the skills and determination to do so, regardless of who I’m up against.”
“I’m trying to not use my phone before the fight,” Hamori said.
“I don’t want to care about the comments or the story or the news. I just want to stay focused on myself.”
The IOC confirmed Khelif’s legal gender to attend the competitions
In response to the controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended Khelif’s participation.
They stated that Khelif is eligible to compete in the women’s category as her passport identifies her as a woman.
This is in line with the IOC’s current policy, which focuses on testosterone levels rather than an athlete’s biological sex.
IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “Everyone competing in the women’s category is complying with the competition eligibility rules.”
“They are women in their passports and it’s stated that this is the case, that they are female.”
However, some athletes and sports officials are unhappy with the IOC’s stance. They argue that the policy does not ensure fair competition.
Other public figures comment on the IOC’s decision
Former Olympian Riley Gaines also spoke out about the controversy.
“This is not about being transphobic or discriminating against anyone,”
“It’s about fairness and protecting the integrity of women’s sports.
Allowing athletes with potential biological advantages to compete against cisgender women is simply not fair.”
The incident was also commented on by Elon Musk on his social media platform.
“The IOC’s policy on transgender athletes is a travesty.
Biological sex matters in sports, and the unfair advantage of testosterone is undeniable. This decision undermines the hard-won progress of women’s athletics.”
Khelif’s former opponent Carini explained why she abandoned the fight after just 46 seconds
After withdrawing from the fight against Imane Khelif 46 seconds into the match, Carini also revealed the reason for her own bold decision.
In an interview, Carini admitted that she has never suffered any such painful punches in her life.
“I’m used to suffering,”
“I’ve never taken a punch like that, it’s impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal.
“We got into the ring to fight. But I didn’t feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose.
“I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high,” Carini emotionally said.