Olympic Gold Medalist Imane Khelif Set for Pro Debut in Paris

Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is preparing for her professional boxing debut, scheduled for December 15 in Paris. The 27-year-old athlete, who secured a gold medal in the welter (66 kg) category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will step into the professional ring for the first time against 21-year-old Dutch boxer Clarida Sarabia. This inaugural professional match will be contested in the super-welter weight division.

The announcement of Khelif's professional launch was made through an impactful video released on Instagram by the event's promoter agency. Her stated ambition is to swiftly pursue a world title in her new career. Khelif emphasized the symbolic significance of choosing Paris for this professional milestone, noting, "The last my Olympic fight was in Paris and my first professional fight will be in Paris." She further expressed, "This battle has never been just mine: it is for all those who have the courage to exist and refuse to surrender."

Khelif's return to the ring marks a new chapter following her Olympic triumph. As the Algerian champion embarks on her professional journey from Paris, she aims to build on her success and establish herself as a contender for a world boxing title.