Algerian Imane Khelif secures her spot in the gold medal fight by defeating Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng with a unanimous decision on Tuesday.
Khelif put on a dominant performance against Suwannapheng throughout the match, clinching the first three rounds on points. In the final round, Khelif landed a solid blow to Suwannapheng’s face, prompting the referee to start a count, ultimately backing the Algerian fighter into a corner.
Now, Khelif moves on to compete for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Khelif’s Path to Victory
The crowd at Arena Paris Nord showed immense support for Khelif during the bout, with both fighters embracing in the ring after the third round. The referee declared Khelif the winner, raising her arm in victory.
Khelif’s journey to the final included defeating Hungarian Luca Anna Hamori and Italian Angela Carini in the earlier rounds at the Olympics.
Gender Eligibility Controversy
Prior to her Olympic success, Khelif faced scrutiny over gender eligibility following a disqualification at the 2023 International Boxing Association World Championships. Despite the controversy, Khelif and the International Olympic Committee affirmed her eligibility, with Khelif boldly stating after her victory over Hamori, “I am a woman.”
Thai boxer Suwannapheng will receive a bronze medal for her performance, marking her first Olympic medal in her career.
It’s important to note that there is no third-place fight in boxing at the Olympics. This means Suwannapheng automatically secures the bronze without a further bout.
Upcoming Final Bout
The final round for the 66-kilogram category, where Khelif will compete for the gold medal, is set to take place on Friday.
