Dundalk Boxer Amy Broadhurst Stands by Imane Khelif Amid Controversy Over Olympic Match
Dundalk’s own Amy Broadhurst defends her former opponent, Imane Khelif.
In the midst of a heated debate over gender eligibility in Olympic boxing, Dundalk Boxer Amy Broadhurst has come forward to defend her former opponent, Imane Khelif. The controversy erupted following Khelif’s decisive victory over Italian fighter Angela Carini at the Paris Games, a bout that ended abruptly with Carini’s unexpected withdrawal.
Carini, visibly shaken after a powerful punch from Khelif, quit the fight after just 46 seconds, citing severe discomfort and difficulty breathing. The Italian’s decision to pull out of the bout has sparked discussions, especially given Khelif’s recent history with gender eligibility issues. Last year, Khelif was one of two fighters disqualified from the World Championships due to failed testosterone tests, yet both she and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu‑ting were cleared to compete in the Olympics.
The situation has drawn sharp criticism and scrutiny from various quarters, with some questioning the fairness of Khelif’s participation. However, Broadhurst, who faced Khelif in the gold medal match at the 2022 World Championships, has voiced her support for the Algerian fighter.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) before Khelif’s bout with Carini, Broadhurst addressed the growing concern: “Have a lot of people texting me over Imane Khelif. Personally I don’t think she has done anything to ‘cheat’. I think it’s the way she was born and that’s out of her control. The fact that she has been beaten by 9 females before says it all.”
Following Carini’s exit from the ring, Broadhurst took to social media again, sharing a clip of her own victory over Khelif. “Thoughts after watching this?” she asked, inviting her followers to consider her perspective on the matter.
Broadhurst’s defense of Khelif highlights a broader debate within the boxing community and the Olympic Games regarding gender inclusivity and fairness. As the games progress, discussions around these complex issues are likely to continue, but for now, Broadhurst’s comments offer a reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance competitive fairness with evolving understandings of gender and identity in sports.
