Amid ongoing speculation about boxing’s future in the 2028 LA Olympics, it was officially confirmed earlier this year that the sport will remain on the Games’ roster. Now, fresh updates are emerging about Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif as she unveils her plans for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. 

This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump signed the ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’ order on Feb. 5. The policy from Trump says, “It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.”

This policy could pose a world of problems for Khelif. As she drew international attention due to results with unspecified gender eligibility tests conducted by the International Boxing Association’s world championships in 2023. Despite that, the International Olympic Committee allowed Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting to participate in the games. 

Both women went on to claim gold in their respective weight classes. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee suspended the IBA from organizing Olympic tournaments in 2019 and officially expelled it in 2023. World Boxing will now handle governance duties for the sport in the Olympics, after receiving provisional recognition in February.

With the new governing body in power, Khelif reflected on Trump’s policy while appearing in an interview with British broadcaster ITV, stating, “The U.S. president issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender.” She added, “This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.”

The International Boxing Association (IBA) said that Khelif did not undergo a testosterone examination. Instead, she was subject to a separate and recognized test. The specifics of that test are not available to public. Her disqualification made many fans angry. Especially since Khelif identifies as a woman. She has competed in women’s boxing at high levels, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

Meanwhile, she also shared her thoughts on the IBA. 

Imane Khelif brands the IBA a thing of the past

The IBA made every effort to back their decision regarding Khelif. In mid-2024, the organization held a news conference about Khelif and Lin, suggesting that both fighters had “competitive advantages over other female competitors.” However, they failed to provide a substantial explanation as to why.

Speaking about the IBA, Khelif branded the IBA “a thing of the past.” She claimed it “lacks credibility.” Adding on, “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.” She further noted, “The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics.” She added, “The injustice was exposed, and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”

World Boxing has yet to comment on Donald Trump’s policies. We are yet to hear how they feel and whether it would affect Khelif or Lin under its rules. But considering the IOC claimed Khelif and Lin were “eligible by the rules of the federation” because both fighters were assigned female at birth and have always identified as women, they should be able to participate in the 2028 LA Olympics. 

That said, it appears Donald Trump’s policy doesn’t seem to have deterred Imane Khelif from running for gold a second time in a row. However, time will tell whether this attracts more controversy. Until then, share your thoughts on the matter.