Algerian Boxer Iman Khelif to Make Professional Debut on December 15

Olympic boxing champion Iman Khelif, the Algerian athlete, is set to make her professional debut on December 15 in the French capital, with her coach aiming for a world title “very soon.”

The 27-year-old Algerian boxer was forced last April to postpone her first professional bout due to an injury sustained during training.

Khelif, who holds a professional license from the French Boxing Federation, along with her coach Kamel Abdessalam and event organizer Yassin Belrabeh, announced during a press conference held today in Paris that she will fight on December 15 at the Maison de la Mutualité.

The Algerian boxer said, “It has been over two years since I last boxed, and I have missed the ring. I live for this sport, and I long to return to it for myself and for my fans. The past few years (after the Paris 2024 Olympics) and this period of absence have been extremely difficult. The time has come to move into the professional world, and I will do my utmost.”

While she won her Olympic medal in the under-66 kg weight class, she will compete next month in the super welterweight division (under 69.8 kg) against Dominican boxer Clarida Sarabia, who holds Dutch nationality.

Coach Kamel Abdessalam praised Sarabia, saying, “She is a high-level boxer who has never been defeated, having secured four wins, all by knockout. So she represents a real challenge, but we have full confidence in Iman.”

The coach believes the Algerian boxer is capable of winning a world title “very soon,” noting that it “could happen within three to five bouts, as she possesses the necessary potential.”

For his part, Belrabeh said, “We aim to place Iman at the pinnacle of the world, and she can be compared to Muhammad Ali.”