An Algerian boxer, whose career has been surrounded by controversy since her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, now confronts a significant hurdle. According to a recent announcement by World Boxing, all female athletes, including Imane Khelif, must undergo mandatory gender testing to participate in future competitions. This decision is part of a broader policy aimed at ensuring safety and fairness among competitors. The athlete faces a choice: either comply with these new regulations or pursue an alternative path in professional boxing.

In response to the evolving landscape of sports governance, World Boxing introduced a policy focusing on 'Sex, Age and Weight' to create balanced competition for both men and women. As per this directive, if Khelif intends to compete in the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands, she will need to undergo screening. Her recent achievements include winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris and expressing ambitions to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. However, turning professional could offer her a way out of the testing requirement.

Khelif has hinted at entering the professional boxing world, citing numerous offers. Before her success in the Olympics, she had already tasted victory in her sole professional bout, winning by stoppage. This option may allow her to sidestep the controversial testing process while continuing her athletic journey.

Despite the challenges ahead, Khelif's career remains at a crossroads. With options to either embrace the new testing protocols or explore opportunities in professional boxing, her decisions will shape the trajectory of her career. The implications of this policy extend beyond individual athletes, prompting discussions about fairness, inclusivity, and the future of competitive sports.

As the sporting world adapts to new regulations, Imane Khelif stands as a symbol of resilience and determination. Whether she chooses to continue as an amateur under the new rules or transitions to professional boxing, her choices will undoubtedly influence the narrative surrounding gender testing in sports. The coming months will reveal how she navigates this complex situation while maintaining her status as a formidable competitor in the boxing world.