Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif has achieved instant popularity, but for reasons she might not have wanted to. A massive outpouring of anger began after the 25-year-old defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in the round of 16, just 46 seconds into the fight. The world soon erupted in outrage over Khelif being allowed by the International Olympic Committee to compete in the women’s category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite having failed the gender eligibility test last year during the World Championships. These championships were organized by the IBA, which has now been barred from their involvement in the Olympics.

The International Boxing Association banned Khelif and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan from competing last year. But since the IOC banished the organization for judging scandals in prior Olympic games and a lack of transparency, Khelif and Yu-ting were allowed to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Moreover, the tests the IOC conducted yielded results that were different from the IBA’s findings. While both fighters have secured at least a bronze for their countries, many are now wondering how much Imane Khelif will make for bringing home a medal from the Olympics.

Imane Khelif’s estimated earnings if she secures an Olympic medal 

If Imane Khelif bags a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she could make a pretty nice chunk of change. However, it’s a bit up in the air because of their past disqualification by the IBA. But, just so you know, IBA President Umar Kremlev had earlier said that they would be rewarding Olympic medalists with prize money despite not organizing the event. This move from the IBA followed a decision by World Athletics to award their Olympic medalists with prize money. So what is the reward that IBA is offering boxers?

Here’s the breakdown: Gold medalists get $100,000 in total—$50,000 for the athlete, $25,000 for the National Federation, and $25,000 for the coach. Silver medalists earn $50,000, split between $25,000 for the athlete and $25,000 for the coach and the National Federation combined. For bronze medalists, it’s $25,000 total—$12,500 for the athlete and $12,500 shared between the coach and the National Federation.

Oh, and by the way, if boxers make it to the quarterfinals, they snag $10,000 each. So, if Khelif grabs the gold in the Olympics, she’d be eligible for the $50,000. Plus, don’t forget her National Federation and coach who would receive a nice bonus too. With silver, she’d pocket $25,000, and for bronze, it’s $12,500.

But here’s the kicker: Khelif’s got a bit of a complication because she was disqualified by the IBA last year. They haven’t made it clear if athletes with past disqualifications are eligible for these prizes. So, until they sort that out, we’re kinda in the dark about how much Khelif could actually earn, which definitely adds some uncertainty to her Olympic dreams and possible rewards.

IBA to reward Imane Khelif’s opponent with prize money

The IBA just caused a big stir by announcing a $50,000 prize for Angela Carini, the Italian boxer who pulled out of her match against Imane Khelif in their welterweight round-of-16 bout. What was the reason? Carini left the ring just 46 seconds in, saying she was really affected by Khelif’s punches and was visibly emotional.

IBA President Umar Kremlev expressed his sympathy, saying, “I couldn’t look at her tears. I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer.” The IBA’s move to give Carini a $50,000 prize, almost like she’s an Olympic Gold medalist, is meant to highlight concerns about safety in women’s boxing.

Kremlev also announced that $25,000 each would go to Carini’s coach and the Italian Boxing Federation, bringing the total support to $100,000. But guess what? There’s a twist! The Italian Boxing Federation isn’t on board with the prize money. They’ve said, “The Italian Boxing Federation denies what has been reported by some media regarding the hypothesis of accepting any kind of cash prize.” Their refusal shows their ongoing frustration with the IBA and their disagreement with the organization.

Athletes who crush it at the Olympics and make their countries proud usually get a ton of honors and respect. Imane Khelif definitely deserves that kind of recognition, but it’s a letdown that her reputation’s taken a hit because of gender misconceptions. The whole mess with IBA’s payout is pretty complicated. As for whether it was intentional or not, who knows? What do you think?