Famous Fight Promoter Intends to Give Boxer Iman Khalif a Professional Contract

Britain's most famous professional boxing promoter has announced his intention to sign Algerian champion Imane Khelif, who won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The French website “RMC” revealed today, Friday, that the famous British promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his desire to sign a contract with the Algerian boxing star and help her achieve a professional career.

“She's an amateur and she's done very well, she's lost a lot of fights and she's been able to shine in the ring,” Hearn told boxing channel IFLTV. “Yes, I would sign her. There's no reason not to sign her.”

“She is a talented boxer with real marketing potential,” the Briton continued. The Algerian now has 2.1 million followers on Instagram, compared to “only” 30,000 two weeks ago.

Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn sponsors some of the world's best boxers including Anthony Joshua, Gennady Golovin and Katie Taylor.

Do you agree with Eddie Hearn assessment? 💬📢
Eddie Hearn has expressed willingness to offer Imane Khelif a professional boxing contract, citing her talent and significant social media following. However, he questioned the legitimacy of her recent fight against Angela Carini,… pic.twitter.com/WaiMPFpSTd
— FTTV Boxing (@FTTVBoxing) August 15, 2024

In addition to sharing his enthusiasm for Khalifa after her Olympic title win, the sports promoter also denounced the online harassment she has been subjected to, describing the controversy sparked by her opponents as “unfair.”

Khalif, 25, who won the welterweight gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics after defeating Chinese boxer Yang Liu, 32, dominated headlines at the Paris Olympics amid a row over their sexual identity.

Khalif was subjected to a fierce campaign at the Olympics after her first fight and the withdrawal of her opponent, but she later received a wave of support and continued her journey until she won the gold.

While Italy's Angela Carini apologised after her first-round clash with Iman Khalif, Anna Luca Hamori added fuel to the fire ahead of their quarter-final clash.

“This is the woman who will fight a boxer tomorrow,” the Hungarian posted on social media. “I have spent my whole life to be here at the Olympics and maybe a man (Iman Khalif) will stop my dream.”

Controversy did not prevent Iman Khalif from defeating her on her way to Olympic glory.