Algerian Radio
Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif will make her return to the ring for her first professional bout, scheduled for April 23 at the Salle Wagram in Paris, France, against Germany's Julia Igel, announced her promoter, former pugilist Brahim Asloum.
Crowned in the -66 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Khelif (26 years old, 1.78 m) will fight a six-round bout, with two-minute rounds, in the welterweight division (under 67 kg).
Her opponent, the German southpaw Julia Igel (25 years old, 1.70 m), has been competing professionally since June 2024. She holds a record of five wins, including four by stoppage, and two defeats by points. Her last outing ended in a loss to the undefeated American Stephanie Simon on February 27 in California.
Training in Paris since October under the guidance of her coach John Dovi, former head coach of the French national team, Imane Khelif is stepping up her preparation as this event approaches.
According to her coach, the Algerian boxer is multiplying her sparring sessions to regain her competitive rhythm. She recently trained at INSEP alongside Maelys Richols.
Before her official entry into the professional world, Khelif will also take part in a six-round test bout against Davina Michel, a Paris 2024 Olympian in the -75 kg category, during an upcoming public session.
This first professional bout marks an important milestone for the Algerian boxer, who is expected to confirm on the professional stage the outstanding performances that earned her Olympic glory.
