Tried To Act Sportsmanlike: Imane Khelif’s Opponent Reflects on Olympics Quarter-Final Loss

In a high-profile bout at the Paris Olympics, Hungary’s Luca Anna Hamori (66 kg) faced the controversial Algerian boxer Iman Khelif for three intense rounds. Despite the challenging circumstances, Hamori felt proud of her performance, noting that “not fighting was not an option.”

Khelif, amid a major gender controversy, left the ring in tears after securing at least a bronze by reaching the women’s 66kg semifinals. Her previous opponent, Italian boxer Angela Carini, withdrew from her bout against Khelif just 46 seconds in, unable to withstand the Algerian’s powerful punches.

Khelif had been banned from the 2023 World Championship in New Delhi for failing the gender eligibility test. The dramatic turn of events sparked significant controversy in the boxing world and at the Games, with many questioning Khelif’s participation in the women’s competition.

Despite this, the IOC defended their decision to allow the Algerian to compete as a female. Luca made it clear she wouldn’t back down and upheld her promise with a courageous performance.

Despite taking numerous punches, she also managed to land a few on her opponent. In the end, Khelif, who received cheers from the crowd, secured a 5-0 unanimous decision victory.