Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Returns to Ring in Paris

The Algerian boxer Imane Khelif returned to the ring on December 15 in Paris at the Maison de la Mutualité for her first professional fight, with the world title in sight. Published on: 06/11/2026 - 14:08, Modified on: 06/11/2026 - 14:45.

Khelif, who became an Olympic champion two years ago, stated, "It has been over two years since I last boxed, and I really missed the ring," addressing the media during a press conference announcing her first fight. She was dressed in a black suit and white shirt. Facing numerous attacks on her gender, the 27-year-old champion had to postpone her first professional fight last April due to a training injury.

Khelif will compete against Clarida Sarabia from the Netherlands in six rounds of two minutes at the Maison de la Mutualité, a venue where the French legend Marcel Cerdan fought. While she earned her Olympic medal in the -66 kg category, Khelif will fight next month in the super-welterweight category (-69.8 kg). "I live for this; I can't wait to return, for myself and for my audience. The last few years, especially after Paris 2024, have been quite tough during this break. Now is the time for me to go professional, and I will give it my all," Khelif assured, expressing joy that more young girls in Algeria are taking up boxing.

"I am back in Paris, and I want to start a new chapter. Paris remains a memory that marked me for life. I often think about that medal, and I am proud to be an Algerian Olympic champion." Talking about her future aspirations, Khelif expressed her dream of fighting at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers, saying, "Yes, I dream of a fight at the Stade du 5 Juillet in our capital. Being in front of my audience in my country would be a great happiness. But for now, I am focusing on this first fight."

Khelif, who hails from a modest family, noted that she does not plan to defend her Olympic title at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. "That is behind me. What I want is to succeed in the professional world," she stated. Her coach, Abdesselam Kalem, emphasized that there is no benefit for her to participate in the Olympics again, as the goal is to pursue all world titles. He praised Khelif's exceptional boxing skills, stating, "She has a true pugilistic talent, a science of placement, and works hard with remarkable abilities.”

"We want to put Imane on top of the world; we can compare her to Muhammad Ali," remarked her promoter, Yacin Berrabah. Khelif smiled modestly, ready to embark on her new journey.