Imane Khelif's 1st Fight Since Gold Medal Win at 2024 Paris Olympics Announced

For the first time since winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Imane Khelif will be back in the ring.

As announced in a press conference on Friday, Khelif will return to Paris on Dec. 15 for a six-round professional fight against 21-year-old Dutch boxer Clarida Sarabia, who holds a 4-0 professional record.

"Days became weeks, weeks became months. I waited, doubted. But deep inside, the fire never died. Behind closed doors, I kept fighting," Khelif said ‌in ⁠the video posted by Stair Event on Instagram. "Because this fight was never only mine. It was for everyone who dared to be, for everyone who refused to give up."

The 27-year-old was previously scheduled for a professional bout against Julia Igel in April, but she was forced to withdraw due to injury. She had also been the subject of a gender dispute over her eligibility since her Olympic win.

Kamel Abdesselam, who coaches Khelif alongside Nasser Lalaoui, said she will not look to defend her Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

"She has no interest in competing in the Games again. She's already an Olympic champion," Abdesselam said.