Imane Khelif beats Anna Luca Hamori handily, advances to boxing semifinals

Algerian fighter Imane Khelif won a convincing bout with Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori on Saturday, taking advantage of superior length to connect more punches throughout the fight.

The decision was unanimous, and Khelif won all three rounds for all five judges.

The win advanced Khelif to the semifinals, thus ensuring a medal. Boxing awards two bronze medals for every weight class.

The talented Algerian boxer landed several shots early in the first round, though Hamori would even it up to a certain degree as the round continued. Still, all five judges awarded Khelif a 10 for the first round.

In the second round, Imane Khelif once again landed several punches. She made excellent use of the left jab, something Hamori couldn’t seem to figure out throughout the fight. After a pair of situations that resulted in the two boxers grappling, Khelif was warned for holding.

After the whistle blew for the end of the second round, Hamori could be seen getting extensive coaching in her corner. She seemed to express frustration.

The third round was a little more loose for both boxers, with several punches thrown as the guards began to lax. Still, Imane Khelif dominated with the left. She was, however, penalized for holding after being warned yet again. That was the lone blemish on the afternoon, as she still scored a 10 from all five judges for the third and final round.

The bout took on added scrutiny after controversy exploded outside the ring.

The IOC has previously issued a statement confirming Imane Khelif’s eligibility after reports of a 2023 ban by the International Boxing Association circulated just prior to the Olympics and caused quite a stir.

That stir, of course, was further inflamed when Khelif’s previous opponent, Italian boxer Angela Carini, withdrew and forfeited her match after 46 seconds, citing the strength of Khelif’s punches and a blow to her nose.

Khelif’s opponent Saturday, Hamori, had seemingly leaned into that controversy by reposting several offensive Instagram and TikTok stories related to Khelif’s gender.

Imane Khelif is not transgender, and has identified as a woman since birth. Her passport — the document used by the IOC to determine her eligibility — reflects as much.