Tony Bellew has come to the defense of Olympic champion Imane Khelif following the intense scrutiny she faced during the Paris Olympics.

Khelif, who competed in the women’s boxing event, attracted significant attention after Italian fighter Angela Carini forfeited their bout just 46 seconds into the match. This controversy was heightened by the fact that Khelif, along with Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, had been disqualified from the 2023 World Championship by the IBA due to alleged issues with gender eligibility.

Despite this, Khelif triumphed over four opponents to win gold in the women’s 66kg event. Bellew, speaking to Instant Casino, defended Khelif’s participation, stating, “If you’re born a woman, you should be allowed to fight as a woman. It’s fair. I don’t care about testosterone levels as long as she’s proven to be a clean athlete, which she has, and she was born a woman.”

Bellew criticized the media and social media narratives surrounding Khelif, suggesting there was an underlying agenda against her. He added, “Social media often distorts the truth. I was initially misinformed, but after seeing Khelif’s own words and tears, I believe she is a woman and deserves to compete.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) strongly defended Khelif’s participation, emphasizing the need for fairness in women’s competitions. IOC President Thomas Bach stated, “This is a matter of justice; women must be allowed to compete in women’s events. Both Khelif and Lin Yu-ting are women.”

Khelif herself has repeatedly affirmed her identity, saying, “I am fully qualified to participate in this competition. I am a woman, just like any other woman.”

Despite her defense, Khelif faced criticism from various figures, including Elon Musk, JK Rowling, and former US President Donald Trump. She has since filed a lawsuit against them, citing the impact of their comments on her well-being.

The 25-year-old fighter, who has been described as having male XY chromosomes after a 2023 IBA test, expressed the emotional toll of the controversy. “The backlash from politicians and celebrities was deeply hurtful and frightening,” Khelif said. “But I have overcome these challenges with the support of my people, who know me for my femininity and strength.”

Bellew’s defense highlights ongoing debates about gender and eligibility in sports, as the focus shifts to ensuring fair treatment and accurate representation for all athletes