Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won her first bout against Angela Carini yesterday following a stoppage in the first round. Carini simply walked back to her corner after only 46 seconds, unable to withstand any more of Khelif’s punching power.
Following the outcome, word began to spread on social media that a male-born transgender boxer was competing in the Olympics and was now beating up women en route to a gold medal.
Without getting too deep into the issue, there is a reason that society frowns upon males engaging in physical altercations with females. There are certainly women out there who can beat up men, but generally speaking, the genetic advantage – at least as of 2024 – creates a landscape where females can get badly hurt in the ring.
Khelif won the silver medal in 2022 at the International Boxing Association World Championships but was not allowed to compete in 2023’s gold medal match after a test revealed elevated testosterone levels.
The online outrage following Carini’s loss seemed based on Kehlif’s failed test from 2023. The opposition assumed that Khelif was born a male and is now transgender, but that is not the case.
Imane was born female and possesses naturally occurring high levels of male hormones. This is not a transgender issue.
Genetic advantage is the topic du jour, something that is normally celebrated and idolized in sports. Males who are more athletically inclined and gifted with greater natural strength than others are typically the subject of admiration.
So, why doesn’t that translate to women’s boxing? This question has widespread societal implications whose answer will not be provided by this article, but it is something to consider while the world navigates these sensitive times.
Online boxing sportsbooks place Khelif as a certain favorite to win a gold medal in Paris. She is 350 points ahead of Turkey’s Busenaz Sumerneli, who oddsmakers predict will win the silver.
Women’s Boxing (66kg) – Gold Medal Odds
- Imane Khelif (ALG) -350
- Busenaz Sumerneli (TUR) +200
- Yang Liu (CHN) +1400
- Janjaem Suwannapheng (THA) +3300
- Chen Nien-Chin (TPE) +3300
- Oshin Derieuw (BEL) +3300
- Navbakhor Khamidova (UZB) +3300
- Luca Hamori (HUN) +6600
Khelif’s next match is against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori, and the winner will clinch a medal. Summer Olympics betting sites don’t have a line posted for the bout just yet but don’t expect the same result as the Carini fight.
“I’m not scared… 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.”
Anna Luca Hamori
Hamori is the first female boxer from Hungary to qualify for the Olympics.
Sources:
Entertainment
Betting On The Voice Finale: Will Sofronio Vasquez Win?
Entertainment
Bet On Beyoncé’s Christmas Halftime Show On Black Friday
