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Imane Khelif addresses gender row at Olympics as family fears for boxer’s safety

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Imane Khelif has called on critics to stop harassing her over the gender row that has engulfed the 2024 Olympics, warning it could have “huge effects” on people’s mental health.

The Algerian boxer sparked controversy in Paris after he easily won his fight in the women’s category despite having been previously disqualified from the competition for failing a gender test.

Khelif is now assured of a medal and could even win gold, which has sparked outrage from many celebrities and athletes who have criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing Khelif to compete despite the fact that she has a deviation in sexual development (DSD).

The 25-year-old has repeatedly said she is a biological woman, not transgender or intersex, and sent online trolls a desperate message asking them to stop insulting her due to the “huge implications” it could have.

“I am sending a message to all people in the world to respect the Olympic rules and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from abusing all athletes because it has consequences, huge consequences,” Khelif told sports station SNTV in Arabic.

“It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And that’s why I ask them to refrain from harassing people.”

Khelif also revealed how concerned her family was about the reaction to her participation: “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope they are not deeply affected,” she said.

“They’re worried about me. God willing, this crisis will end with a gold medal, and that would be the best answer.”

Khelif spoke out after the IOC admitted he had received a written warning with test results that claimed he had “male DNA.” However, IOC spokesman Mark Adams said the tests were not reliable.

According to Telegraph, The International Boxing Association (IBA) informed Olympic officials in June last year of the results of tests conducted on Khelifa. One test in India last year and an earlier test in Turkey in May 2022 “showed that the boxer’s DNA was male and consisted of XY chromosomes,” the IBA said in a statement.

Despite this, Khelif was allowed to compete in the Olympics. She faced Italian Angela Carinin in the first round, but the Italian withdrew after 46 seconds – citing concerns for her safety.

In the next round, Khelif demolished Luca Anna Hamori, and on Tuesday he will face Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannatheng in the gold medal fight.

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UK Boxing

Mike Tyson’s former trainer believes Jake Paul’s fight could be over in seconds

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According to the former trainer of the boxing legend, the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul could end in 30 seconds. The fight between the former heavyweight world champion and the boxer turned YouTuber will take place on November 15.

The original July date was shelved after Tyson, 58, was diagnosed with a flare-up of his peptic ulcer. Given his age, 31 years older than Paul, there are question marks over whether Iron Mike should step into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Former three-division world champion Jeff Fenech knows Tyson well, having trained “The Baddest Man on the Planet” towards the end of his professional career in the mid-2000s. The Australian, who was in Tyson’s corner for his last professional fight – a knockout defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005 – has reservations but believes it could be a low and simple evening for his friend if he is clever.

“If it was my decision, I would definitely prefer him not to fight at all, but he will fight,” Fenech told reporters Mirror. “I talked to him about the fight. Realistically, if Mike enjoys working upstairs and nothing else and does the right thing, this could be the easiest money he’s ever made.

“When you both throw punches, it will be 50/50 who lands. But if Mike concentrates and makes him miss and then pays… Mike is an expert at this, he has great head movement.

If he does it in 30 seconds, the fight can be over in 30 seconds. Mike just needs to utilize common sense, not try to hit when he hits, make him miss and make him pay.

Paul, whose only career defeat was to Tommy Fury, has never boxed anyone in Tyson’s class. Fenech believes that the 27-year-old will not be able to cope with his opponent’s strength.

“Jake Paul has no boxing skills or knowledge,” added Fenech, 60. “I watched him but anyone can hit a pad or a bag, or someone who really can’t fight. When you are bigger and stronger, everything is fine.

“But Mike, as a heavyweight, was a great defensive player. He could slip and make people miss. If he does this and lands a counterattack, the fight will be over.

“There is no chance in the world that Jake Paul could take a Mike Tyson hook, a Mike Tyson right hand, or a Mike Tyson uppercut. I hope so [for]. I love Mike, he’s a great friend, he’s like family to me. I just hope everything goes well.

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UK Boxing

Mike Tyson explains what caused Jake Paul’s medical emergency and postponement

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Mike Tyson has revealed that diet was the reason he pulled out of his first fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 58-year-old boxing legend was scheduled to face “The Problem Child” in July, but a recurrence of a peptic ulcer forced him to withdraw from the match.

He had to stop training on doctor’s advice, but is now back in the gym and insists he will be ready to fight the 27-year-old next month.

The controversial clash between the two stars is scheduled for November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas, in front of a potential crowd of 90,000. The fight will be considered a professional heavyweight fight.

Since the fight’s rescheduling, there has been widespread criticism within the boxing community of the decision to proceed with the match amid concerns about Tyson’s health.

During a recent conversation with Online mail“Iron Mike” revealed that he is now “ulcer-free,” attributing his previous health problems to his diet. “I ate too much bad food and stuff, and I got ill,” he admitted. However, Tyson has now vowed to avoid “processed foods” and follow “immaculate eating” principles ahead of his upcoming fight with the youthful American.

The discussion about the potential impact of the upcoming fight on his historical legacy showed a clear lack of concern for outside opinions. “I didn’t take this fight for the legacy,” he declared. “I think legacy is really, from my point of view, legacy is ego. Who cares what people think of them when they’re gone? I’m dead. I can’t appreciate what anyone might think of me when I’m dead, so it means nothing to me.

Now that he has gotten rid of his ulcers and is following a immaculate diet, Tyson seems ready to fight against the internet superstar. Still, some supporters remain skeptical about his involvement in the fight against Paul. The boxing icon, 58, told Jimmy Kimmel that his training program is intense and lasts six hours a day.

“I train extremely demanding, I practice six hours a day. I start at 11 a.m. and can leave the gym at 5 p.m.,” Tyson confirmed. Hearing this, a stunned Kimmel asked, “11:00? So it’s six hours straight, is there a break for lunch?”

Tyson agreed to a tiny break from his schedule, prompting Kimmel to gasp, “Oh no.” Elsewhere in the conversation, when asked if he planned to get high before meeting Paul, Tyson replied: “I’ll be high in my life, yes.” When Kimmel pushed for marijuana exploit, Tyson admitted, “That’s a possibility, too,” leading the host to joke, “My bet is getting smaller as we talk.”

Tyson hasn’t stepped into a professional ring for almost two decades. His last fight was against Kevin McBride in 2005, where he lost in the fifth round.

Paul, a boxing sensation, made his debut in 2020 and has been competing regularly since then. With a record of 10-1, the American’s only defeat was a fight against Tommy Fury last year. “The Problem Child” will face “Iron Mike” after his victory over former UFC fighter Mike Perry in July.

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Conor Benn pushes Chris Eubank Jr during heated exchange in Riyad

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Eubank Jr faces Szeremeta on October 12 in Riyadh Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr confronted each other in Riyad Photo: @ChrisEubankJr Twitter
Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr confronted each other in Riyad Photo: @ChrisEubankJr Twitter

Conor Benn pushed Chris Eubank Jr. when the pair bumped into each other on Friday in Riyad.

Eubank Jr and Benn were scheduled to fight in October 2022, but the fight was postponed during fight week after Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene.

Benn arrived in Riyadh on Thursday ahead of Eubank Jr’s fight against Kamil Szeremeta on Saturday, a preview of the undisputed featherlight heavyweight title fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

The anger between the pair, whose fathers fought twice in the 1990s, clearly remained, and tensions rose on Friday when they crossed paths for the first time since their fight was canceled, at a hotel in Riyad.

“Don’t screw it up, son,” Benn warned Eubank Jr.

The Brighton fighter then came face to face with ‘The Destroyer’, confronting him and replying: “This guy comes in when I’m cutting weight.”

Benn replied: “Comes when you cut weight? See you tomorrow after the fight.

“I’m going to get in that ring and fucking give it to you.

“You’re fucking lucky you’re going to be fighting tomorrow.”

Eubank Jr will face Szeremeta on October 12 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Eubank Jr will face Szeremeta on October 12 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The insults and swearing continued until the Essex player shoved his fierce rival in front of the looking media.

“I like the energy,” Eubank Jr said after the push.

“You are a child.”

“A kid who will fuck you up,” Benn replied.

Eubank Jr's fight with Benn has been postponed. Photo: Ian Walton/Matchroom Boxing
Eubank Jr’s fight with Benn has been postponed. Photo: Ian Walton/Matchroom Boxing

The 28-year-old has had two fights since his drug saga but was unable to compete in the UK as both fights took place in the US.

Benn appeared to be on track to fight in Great Britain again when the National Anti-Doping Panel cleared him to resume his career in his country last July, but those hopes were dealt a major blow in March after both Great Britain fighters were banned Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control won an appeal to have his provisional suspension lifted.

Undefeated welterweight fighter is scheduled to appear before the BBBofC for questioning this month and hopefully a successful case will lead to the long-awaited showdown with Eubank Jr.

The pair were scheduled to fight at the 157-pound catchweight, but Benn has repeatedly said he will now move up two weight classes to face “NXTGEN” at middleweight.

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