Imane Khelif has broken his silence following a dramatic ruling by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), which has imposed a lifetime ban on him, declared him male, and stripped him of all his medals. The WBO has also reclaimed the $25 million prize awarded to Khelif.

In a powerful statement, Khelif expressed his deep regret and frustration over the WBO’s controversial decision. The organization’s ruling comes after an extensive investigation into Khelif’s gender identity, which led to the controversial conclusion that he did not meet the criteria for competing as a female athlete.

Khelif, who had celebrated significant achievements in his boxing career, has been left devastated by the outcome. “I am deeply saddened and regretful about this situation,” Khelif said. “I put my heart and soul into my career, and it’s incredibly disheartening to see everything I worked for being taken away.”

The WBO’s decision to strip Khelif of his medals and reclaim the substantial prize money has ignited a firestorm of debate and controversy within the boxing community. The ruling has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the fairness and implications of the WBO’s gender eligibility rules.

Khelif’s statement reflects the profound impact of the WBO’s ruling on both his professional and personal life. The situation highlights ongoing and complex debates surrounding gender and eligibility in competitive sports, continuing to stir discussions among athletes, fans, and sports officials.

As Khelif comes to terms with the fallout from this decision, the boxing world remains abuzz with reactions and opinions on the broader implications of the WBO’s actions.