Khelif vows to fight back; Catterall navigates boxing politics

Algeria boxer Imane Khelif, who became a focal point in the gender debate during the 2024 Paris Olympics, has rejected what she calls ‘false and offensive’ claims from the International Boxing Association (IBA). ‘I have been knocked down more times than I can count. But I have never stayed down’, Khelif said on her Instagram account.

The IBA announced plans to file criminal complaints against the International Olympic Committee in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. They claimed that allowing female boxers Khelif and Lin Yu-ting to compete and win gold medals in Paris in 2024 could lead to criminal charges.

In response, Khelif indicated that she intends to take all needed legal actions to protect her rights and ensure fair competition is maintained. ‘Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable, and we will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that justice prevails’, she added, earning the support of some fans, including those on the hunt for a betus com review.

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The Russian-led IBA has been banned from the Olympics, yet it referenced a directive on transgender athletes by former U.S. President Donald Trump to support its criminal complaints. Khelif pointed out that the IBA has once more made unfounded claims that are both false and offensive, suggesting that these accusations are aimed at advancing their agenda. 

She emphasized that this issue impacts not only her but also the larger principles of fairness and due process in sports. The IOC has maintained that the boxers from Algeria and Taiwan, assigned female at birth and identifying as women, followed all rules for the Olympic tournament. 

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Both of them also took part in the Tokyo Games in 2021 but did not earn medals. Khelif and Lin were disqualified from the 2023 world championships organized by the IBA, which claimed they did not meet eligibility tests.

On February 10, 2025, the IOC emphasized once again that the two female athletes cited by the IBA are not transgender athletes. Khelif made her way through the Olympic Games while facing global attention and misguided speculation about her sex. 

Even though she was born and raised as a woman, she became a key figure in Western discussions on gender, sex, and sports after not passing certain eligibility tests for women’s events from the IBA in 2023. Khelif noted that she has faced challenges before and has pushed through every setback and false claim aimed at her. 

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She expressed that each hurdle has only made her more determined. Khelif plans to keep competing with honour and integrity.

Catterall navigates his way into boxing politics

Jack Catterall has faced the tough side of boxing politics enough to understand that waiting around is not an option. After wins against Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis last year, Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) seemed set for a junior welterweight title fight soon. 

At 31, he had a memorable win taken from him on the scorecards against Taylor in their first match in 2022, and it took time for him to return to title talks. Now in a strong position to rise to the top, he is not taking it easy.

His goals soared after a standout victory over Prograis in October. Despite starting slow and facing a knockdown in Round 5, Catterall bounced back, dropping his opponent twice and winning by unanimous decision. He also dealt with flu during fight week and had rib injuries.

Once Catterall’s hand was raised and he caught his breath, he allowed himself to dream deep within Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena. WBO champion Teofimo Lopez emerged as a potential target. Promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned at the post-fight news that they would love to face him.

The winner of the IBF title fight between Richardson Hitchins and Liam Paro, which Hitchins won in December, was also considered, but that opportunity did not arise. When it became clear that he might have to wait for either of those fights, Catterall sought to know what would come next.

Arnold Barboza Jr. is now the next contender and offers a tough yet fitting challenge. Catterall feels he is a step ahead of the American, but Barboza remains unbeaten and is eager for a title shot of his own.

This fight presents a chance for another big win and valuable rounds, but it will be challenging, bringing real risk. Other fighters in Catterall’s spot might have chosen to hold back in a fast-moving division. However, for ‘El Gato’, ranked No. 2 by the WBO with Barboza at No. 1, taking the risk has worked out.

Having faced issues with politics and unfulfilled promises before, Catterall has a clear mindset now. He reflected on a time years ago when he was mandatory for a world title but faced repeated delays and obstacles, which kept him sidelined.This inactivity lasted some time and has happened to him twice in his career. He entered his first match with Taylor after a 15-month break, and then it was another 15 months before he fought again, making fans, including those looking for betus com review more eager to see him fight.