Months after she won a medal at the Paris Olympics, several new reports now suggest that Imane Khelif might finally switch over to professional boxing. Defying overwhelming odds, the 25-year-old boxer defeated China’s Liu Yang in the women’s 66 kg finals and secured a gold for her country, Algeria.

If the reports are true, then she might be looking forward to working with a renowned promoter. Needless to say, as soon as they chanced upon a related post, some of the fans took to their keyboards and suggested a few names. Imane Khelif displayed courage both in and out of the ring. Hence, many boxing insiders would be too happy to have such a gritty fighter in their stable.

Imane Khelif: Striving for new milestones

“Imane Khelif has declared that she is now set to turn professional and is currently weighing up many offers from different promoters,” a Michael Benson tweet read. The post also mentioned the dispute over gender eligibility. A big controversy erupted following the first fight between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini.

Based on last year’s disqualification at the world championship by IBA, several questions over Khelif and the Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-Ting‘s Olympic participation emerged. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood its ground. Much to her credit, Imane Khelif overcame the heightened public gaze and became the first woman from Algeria to win a boxing gold.

It should be pointed out that in the past, Khelif has participated in a professional fight. Records reveal that last year, on November 23, she faced Thailand’s Suwanun Antanai at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The Algerian gold medalist won the fight via technical knockout.

It appears as if some of the fans were waiting for such an announcement. Let’s check a few of their suggestions.

Don’t miss this!

This fan offered a word of caution. Not sure why, but they didn’t appear too happy with BOXXER and its founder, Ben Shalom. This is what the fan said: “Whatever Imane Khelif does, just don’t sign for BOXXER because Ben Shalom will find a way to mess up your career.”

One user pulled out an old tweet, where they projected a potential outcome. “Wouldn’t it surprise me if Eddie signed Imane Khelif? It really wouldn’t,” the fan mentioned. But it appears Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have quite a few supporters.

With the possible departure of Katie Taylor and the limited appeal of Skye Nicolson, this fan felt that in Imane Khelif, Matchroom Boxing may find a good replacement. The fan said, “Eddie might get her knowing Katie Taylor is not going to be for long and his girl Sky Nicholson can’t sell anything.”

This follower too echoed similar sentiments: “Eddie will probably sign her.” But the next user differed. For them, Frank Warren was the best choice. According to the user, the Queensberry boss had a proven track record of creating several professionally successful trajectories in boxing. “Sign for the best promoter in the world, without a doubt, Frank Warren. He is good at navigating guys through their career. 👍🏻” Fans might have to wait for some time till they hear a final decision from Imane Khelif’s camp.

Indeed, as one of the users pointed out, some of the current greats, such as Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, and Claressa Shields, would soon be transitioning into the later part of their careers. Hence, women’s boxing might benefit a lot when someone like Khelif appears to carry the torch forward.

What is your take? Who would be your choice of promoter if you were to suggest a name to Imane Khelif?