Sports
Imane Khelif sets December 15 pro debut in Paris against Clarida Sarabia
Olympic champion Imane Khelif will make her professional boxing debut Dec. 15 in Paris against undefeated Dutch fighter Clarida Sarabia in six rounds.
The Olympic gold medalist is finally stepping into the pro ranks.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif will make her professional debut Dec. 15 at Paris' Maison de la Mutualité against undefeated Dutch fighter Clarida Sarabia organizers announced Friday.
The six-round super welterweight bout will be her first fight since winning Olympic gold at Paris 2024 in the 66-kilogram division.
A long wait after Paris
Khelif postponed an earlier planned pro debut in April after a training injury. She holds a French professional women's boxing license and said the ring has been missing from her life.
"It has been two years and more since I boxed and the ring really missed me. I live for this" Khelif said at a Paris news conference with coach Kamel Abdesselam and promoter Yacin Berrabah.
Opponent and ambitions
Sarabia ranked No. 22 in the world is undefeated at 4-0 with four knockouts. Abdesselam called her a real risk and said Khelif could chase a world title within three to five fights.
Khelif will fight at super welterweight (up to 69.8 kg). She said she wanted her first pro bout in the same city where she became Olympic champion.
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