Yahoo News Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu LIVE: Result as Algerian boxer wins Olympic gold amid gender row
Imane Khelif won Olympic gold on Friday night, beating Yang Liu on points in the welterweight final at Paris 2024.
Khelif’s Olympic campaign has proven highly controversial, with the Algerian having allegedly failed a gender eligibility test in 2023 due to the presence of certain chromosomes. That test result led to Khelif’s disqualification from the World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The IBA previously ran Olympic boxing but was dropped by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) before the Tokyo Games. The IOC no longer recognises the IBA as a governing body due to concerns over the organisation’s finances and ties to Russia, and due to fears of corruption.
In Paris, Khelif found herself under intense scrutiny after her first fight, as Angela Carini withdrew after just 46 seconds. The Italian, who received one significant punch from Khelif, retired from the bout in tears and said she had “never been hit so hard” in her life. Carini later apologised, while Khelif went on to ease past Luca Anna Hamori and Janjaem Suwannapheng via unanimous decision.
And on Friday, the 25-year-old was a victor via decision again, this time against China’s Yang to claim gold.
Also in Paris, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting will box for gold while part of the same gender row as Khelif, having also been DQed at the 2023 World Championships.
Re-live Friday’s action and see all results below:
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: Olympic final LIVE
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic gold in women’s welterweight final
Report from Paris: Khelif becomes unique hero amid boxing’s gender row
Khelif takes aim at ‘enemies of success’ after winning Olympic gold medal
Khelif’s Olympic campaign has proven highly controversial since her first fight
Algerian, 25, allegedly failed gender eligibility test at 2023 World Championships
Khelif was disqualified from that tournament due to presence of certain chromosomes, IBA said
IBA was dropped by IOC before Tokyo Games due to fears of corruption and concerns over finances
Khelif has never identified as transgender or intersex, despite many baseless claims online
Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting also DQed at ‘23 World Championships; also part of gender row in Paris
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Saturday 10 August 2024 00:00 , Jack Rathborn in Paris
This chapter to Khelif’s career, an unremarkable one before stepping foot in Paris, despite silver at the World Championships two years ago, is now one of the most pivotal in the sport’s history after a one-sided points victory, as she claimed every round under the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier. No matter her future in the sport, she will always have this gold medal.
News surrounding her disqualification for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test at the 2023 World Championship prompted deep discussion about the future of women’s sport and its policies, or lack of, to protect it. That will extend in the weeks and months ahead.
Many questions need answering from this episode and with time and space, perhaps the IOC and IBA can deliver a more coherent stance on the issue surrounding women’s sport. Any solution would also provide a path for other sports. Yet so far there has been too much talking with little substance or detail.
Imane Khelif clinches Olympic boxing gold to become unique hero amid gender row
Imane Khelif 'defends’ honour after winning Olympic gold amid gender row
Friday 9 August 2024 23:50 , Alex Pattle
“My honour is in tact, but the attacks on social media were extremely bad and they are meaningless,” Khelif said. “They impact the dignity of people, now people’s thinking has changed.
“As for the IBA: since 2018 I was boxing under the umbrella of the IBA, they know me very well. They know what I’m capable of, how I’ve developed over the years. But now they are not reocgnised anymore and they hate me, and I don’t know why. I sent them a single message with this gold medal – and my dignity and honour is above everything else.
“The Algerian women are known for their strength and strong will, and they are valiant and they came to support me. They sent a message to the Arab [world] as well. They sent the message that our honour is above everything else.
“You know how the Olympics is the most important international platform for sport. It’s an honour to take part. In 2024 I was under pressure, but just like the other athletes – especially as I was expected to win a medal. Everybody in Algeria knows how hard I have been working. I don’t know what I’ll do now. I’ll see my family and rest, then we’ll see the next steps.”
Imane Khelif takes aim at 'enemies of success' after winning Olympic gold amid gender row
Friday 9 August 2024 23:32 , Alex Pattle
Khelif at her post-fight press conference, via a translator: “It’s a dream for every athlete. I took part in Tokyo, but I was not well prepared at the time; it was during Covid, the times were difficult.
“But in Paris, the whole world, the Algerians, they all know how hard I worked. I trained in the [United] States, mostly, in preparation for the Olympics, with a great trainer – Pedro Diaz, he has 21 Olympic medals, today he has 22, he also deserves this medal.
“As for if I qualify or not, if I’m a woman or not: I made many statements in the media, I’m fully qualified, I’m a woman, I was born a woman, I lived a woman. There’s no doubt about that.
“These people [who claim I am not], they are the enemies of success. It’s what I call them. It gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.”
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 23:30 , Alex Pattle
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 23:00 , Alex Pattle
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:50 , Jack Rathborn in Paris
Imane Khelif was lifted high onto the shoulders of her coach. Carried around this Roland Garros ring, spinning in delight to the raucous noise from her adoring Algerian fans, it was gold. A moment in time as the controversy of the last fortnight was dispelled.
“Imane, Imane, Imane,” cried the fans. Thousands of them, from generations past in Paris, provided the hostile setting for poor Yang Liu. Khelif, who has been in the eye of a storm following a gender test row at the Olympics, proved too slick, too powerful, and repelled the Chinese boxer’s southpaw stance with her punishing right hands.
A redemption of sorts, although this issue will linger long after the dust settles on this women’s welterweight gold-medal fight.
Full report:
Imane Khelif clinches Olympic gold for Algeria amid gender row
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:45 , Alex Pattle
There are tears in Khelif’s eyes as she sings the Algerian national anthem, clutching the badge on her tracksuit all the while.
She then hangs her medal from its ribbon, raised above her head, and kisses the gold.
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:32 , Alex Pattle
Khelif and Yang should be collecting their medals any moment now, along with bronze medalists Janjaem Suwannapheng and Nien Chin Chen.
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:23 , Alex Pattle
Imane Khelif beats Yang Liu to win Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:17 , Alex Pattle
Gold for Imane Khelif!!!
She gets it done via unanimous decision, as Yang Liu takes silver for China.
Khelif, now an Olympic gold medalist, is hoisted onto her coach’s shoulders and paraded around – in front of ecstatic Algerian fans!
Khelif’s nation’s flag is wrapped around her shoulders.
Imane Khelif fights Yang Liu for Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:13 , Alex Pattle
The second round also goes Khelif’s way! A healthy lead for her, and the final round is upon us...
Yang backs up the Algerian. Grazing shots are landing for both fighters. Nice jab by Yang.
Yang corners Khelif, but the Algerian circles away smartly. Intermittent punches are landing for both boxers.
A scrappy entry from Yang, and the welterweights clinch briefly. They’re separated, and Yang lands a swift jab.
Khelif drops her hands low in the final few seconds... There’s the final bell!
Surely gold for Khelif! We’ll know in a moment...
Imane Khelif fights Yang Liu for Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:08 , Alex Pattle
Every judge has the first round 10-9 in Khelif’s favour. Second round now.
Khelif steps in with a good left straight, then catches Yang with a right as the Chinese fighter tries to circle away. Good work.
Both boxers land simultaneously now. Yang is trying to stay on the front foot. Khelif slings a cross at the body.
Yang is walking onto counter punches here and there. Decent jab by Khelif now. A bit of grappling creeps into the contest.
Now it’s Yang with a counter shot! A solid left hand in close. A scrappy exchange ensues.
Imane Khelif fights Yang Liu for Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 22:04 , Alex Pattle
There’s a loud chant of “Imane” from the Algerian fans. The fighters touch gloves. First round under way...
Yang stands southpaw, Khelif orthodox. Both fighters take the centre of the ring at once. Khelif misses with a few jabs. And a couple more.
Now Yang skips forward and gets off a couple of shots. Snapping jab by Yang now. Both women land in the next exchange.
Yang can see that jab coming from a mile off so far. Good cross to the body of the Chinese boxer, however.
Now a clean cross to the head of Yang! The best punch of the fight so far, and it’s come from Khelif. Another chant from her compatriots in the stands.
Yang with a left straight to the body.
Imane Khelif fights Yang Liu for Olympic boxing gold in Paris
Friday 9 August 2024 21:59 , Jack Rathborn
The noise in here has just skyrocketed, Algerians on their feet, flags up high and tossed around these pockets of supporters.
Boos for China, too, the main event tonight is here.
This is a huge fixture for Khelif, no doubt about it, the Algerian fans have hoovered up these tickets and have now come to life under the roof of Philippe-Chatrier.
Lazizbek Mullojonov seals heavyweight gold with win over Loren Alfonso at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:56 , Alex Pattle
Lazizbek Mullojonov takes the gold medal for Uzbekistan!
He wins via unanimous decision, as Azerbaijan’s Loren Alfonso is forced to settle for silver!
Loren Alfonso and Lazizbek Mullojonov vie for heavyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:53 , Alex Pattle
Third and final round.
Every scorecard has Mullojonov two rounds up so far.
Now Alfonso takes the centre of the ring, but clearly it’s not his instinct to attack first; he’s in position to throw, but he won’t let his hands go...
Good cross to the body, it seems, but Alfonso is warned for firing it low, after Mullojonov complains. I’m not sure about that one...
Alfonso has gradually increased the tempo as the round has progressed, to be fair to him. But it seems like it will be too little too late.
We’ll find out in a moment!
Loren Alfonso and Lazizbek Mullojonov vie for heavyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:49 , Alex Pattle
Second round.
Mullojonov steps in with a one-two and misses. He lands his next straight, but Alfonso lands a hook at the same time.
Alfonso’s defence has been quite impressive, but he’s not been active enough with his output.
Slick counter one-two by the Azerbaijani now, however.
He then blocks a combination from Mullojonov, who is continuing to box on the front foot.
Loren Alfonso and Lazizbek Mullojonov vie for heavyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:45 , Alex Pattle
Mullojonov stands southpaw and presses forward early. Decent right hook by the Uzbek.
Alfonso stands orthodox and circles away. Good head movement by the Azerbaijani for the most part...
So Mullojonov goes downstairs, with a hard left hook to the body!
Now Mullojonov tests Alfonso’s guard with a cross. Nothing doing there. The Uzbek soon puts himself off-balance with a hook.
Alfonso has been a bit too passive so far, although he lands a well-timed counter shot now! And another. And one more, just before the bell!
Loren Alfonso and Lazizbek Mullojonov vie for heavyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:19 , Alex Pattle
Next up, it’s men’s heavyweight action between Loren Alfonso and Lazizbek Mullojonov.
Alfonso is representing Azerbaijan, while Mullojonov is another Uzbek standout from the Paris Games.
Olympics 2024: Some great photos from the first fight of the night
Friday 9 August 2024 21:10 , Alex Pattle
Yu Wu beats Buse Cakiroglu to win light-flyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:07 , Alex Pattle
Yu Wu takes the gold! She fought a very good fight.
Cakiroglu’s corner seem a bit irked by that decision, but it was the right one.
Yu Wu faces Buse Cakiroglu for light-flyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:04 , Alex Pattle
A scrappy first round so far.
First, there’s a pause so Cakiroglu’s head guard can be adjusted.
Then the pair wrestle and half-fall through the ropes. Later in the round, Cakiroglu ends up between the ropes again, after some neat footwork and boxing on the angle by Yu.
Another stern right straight from Yu, who has used that punch so well tonight. And a right hook, just before the bell.
Yu should have this quite comfortably...
Yu Wu faces Buse Cakiroglu for light-flyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 21:00 , Alex Pattle
Nice right cross from Yu, and again Cakiroglu hits the mat – but she appeared to be shoved, in a sense. Again, it’s no knockdown.
Great uppercut by Yu, as Cakiroglu steps in with a slightly loose guard.
Cakiroglu hurls an overhand from southpaw, but it’s blocked, and then she eats a left hook.
Another spearing cross by Yu; both times she’s landed it, though, she’s actually switched her feet at the same time.
Stiff jab by Cakiroglu, that’s better from the Turkish fighter.
Yu Wu faces Buse Cakiroglu for light-flyweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 20:56 , Alex Pattle
We now move to the women’s light-flyweight final, as Yu Wu fights Buse Cakiroglu; it’s China against Turkey.
Cakiroglu stands southpaw. She’s put onto the back foot by her orthodox opponent immediately. The Turkish fighter is trying to counter while stepping out to the side, but she’s eaten a few shots already – a risky strategy she’s using, clearly.
A better counter effort by Cakiroglu this time, before Yu charges her! Cakiroglu hits the canvas, but it’s ruled a trip (rightly, it seems).
A bit of wrestling now, as Yu grazes her arm across Cakiroglu’s face amid a clinch.
Cakiroglu blocks some shots upstairs, so Yu targets the body. Again Cakiroglu looks to reply to the flurry with a single counter shot.
Yu switches stances back and forth late in the round, a good frame for the Chinese boxer.
Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev wins welterweight gold at Olympics
Friday 9 August 2024 20:48 , Jack Rathborn
Muydinkhujaev with a solid first two rounds against Verde Alvarez, outboxing the Mexican, who then rallies in the third and final frame – throwing the kitchen sink at the Uzbek and really going at him in search of the stoppage. Is it enough though?
Your winner... Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev!
The welterweight king at Paris, the Uzbek salutes a raucous crowd inside Philippe-Chatrier.
The Mexican Verde Alvarez just followed him for two rounds. It got tasty in the third, with both men swinging for the ropes.
But the classier Muydinkhujaev had too much, even with the Mexican pinching the third on all the judges’ scorecards.
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: First fight imminent
Friday 9 August 2024 20:26 , Jack Rathborn in Paris
The volume has been cranked up here, we're almost ready for the first fight of the night.
The home of the French Open tennis, transformed into a night club. There are bright lights and booming dance music, fans jumping up and down with their national flags.
Amid all the controversy and poison on the edges of Imane Khelif's pursuit of Olympic gold, it should not be forgotten how boxing can bring people together from such diverse backgrounds.
This is a totally different environment to professional boxing, too.
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: T-minus one hour until first fight
Friday 9 August 2024 19:30 , Alex Pattle
Our Sports Editor, Jack Rathborn, is on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Roland Garros – the tennis venue that has been transformed into the location of the latter boxing rounds at Paris 2024.
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: Inside the Algerian’s tough childhood
Friday 9 August 2024 19:14 , Alex Pattle
Childhood of boxer Imane Khelif as she faces accusations of being ‘biological male’
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: Chromosomes caused test failure
Friday 9 August 2024 18:55 , Alex Pattle
After days of speculation, the IBA confirmed on Monday that chromosomes were behind the failure of Khelif and Lin’s failed gender tests in 2023.
The IBA did not specify XY chromosomes, but said to “read between the lines”.
Imane Khelif failed gender eligibility test due to chromosomes, says IBA
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: Who are the IBA?
Friday 9 August 2024 17:08 , Alex Pattle
Who are the IBA? Below is some useful background in the saga surrounding Khelif.
Here’s all you need to know about the controversial body, which has faced concerns over corruption, finances, and links to Russia:
Who are the IBA? Controversial boxing authority at war with the IOC over Imane Khelif
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: Algerian beats Anna Luca Hamori
Friday 9 August 2024 16:45 , Alex Pattle
After beating Carini, Khelif defeated Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori via unanimous decision.
Before the fight, Hamori said on social media: “In my humble opinion, I don’t think it’s fair that this contestant can compete in the women’s category.
“But I cannot concern myself with that now. I cannot change it, it’s life. I can promise you one thing... I will do my best to win and I will fight as long as I can!”
Hamori also said she was “not scared” of Khelif and shared a controversial image on Instagram, initially posted by another social-media account, of a cartoon monster facing off with a female boxer.
Tearful Imane Khelif given ray of light in victory amid dark Olympic episode
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: 46-second victory over Angela Carini
Friday 9 August 2024 16:23 , Alex Pattle
The controversy really escalated after Khelif’s first match, which lasted just 46 seconds.
Her opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from the bout after one significant punch from Khelif and soon broke down in tears.
Carini later said she had “never been hit so hard” in her life.
However, as the week progressed, the Italian did apologise to Khelif.
Boxer tearfully quits after punch by Olympic rival who failed gender eligibility test
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: How Olympic controversy began
Friday 9 August 2024 16:05 , Alex Pattle
Before Khelif even stepped in the ring in Paris, there was scrutiny of her Olympic campaign.
The same applied to Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who is in her own gold-medal match at featherweight this weekend.
Two boxers competing at Olympics despite failing gender test at World Championships
Imane Khelif vs Yang Liu: Olympic final LIVE
Friday 9 August 2024 15:02 , Alex Pattle
Imane Khelif will box for Olympic gold tonight, facing Yang Liu in the welterweight final at Paris 2024.
Khelif’s Olympic campaign has proven highly controversial, with the Algerian having allegedly failed a gender eligibility test in 2023 due to the presence of certain chromosomes. That test result led to Khelif’s disqualification from the World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The IBA previously ran Olympic boxing but was dropped by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) before the Tokyo Games. The IOC no longer recognises the IBA as a governing body due to concerns over the organisation’s finances and ties to Russia, and due to fears of corruption.
In Paris, Khelif found herself under intense scrutiny after her first fight, as Angela Carini withdrew after just 46 seconds. The Italian, who received one significant punch from Khelif, retired from the bout in tears and said she had “never been hit so hard” in her life.
Carini later apologised, while Khelif went on to ease past Luca Anna Hamori and Janjaem Suwannapheng via unanimous decision. Now, the 25-year-old faces China’s Yang, as both fighters chase Olympic gold.
