Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has revealed plans to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in a heavier weight class following her gold medal victory in Paris.
The 25-year-old, who found herself at the centre of a gender controversy during last year's Games, intends to move up to the 70kg category.
Khelif confirmed her Olympic ambitions in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, where she also expressed interest in transitioning to professional boxing after the Los Angeles Games.
The Paris gold medallist competed at around 66kg last year in the welterweight division.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has revealed plans to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in a heavier weight class following her gold medal victory in Paris
GETTY
Her participation in Paris sparked debate after she and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting had previously been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Both athletes went on to win gold medals despite the controversy.
In Los Angeles, the welterweight class will range between 60-65kg, with light-middleweight at 65-70kg and middleweight between 70-75kg.
"With the change in weight classes, I have to compete at 70kg. In Paris, I won at 66 kg, but I don't think this increase will be difficult for me," Khelif told Marca.
The Algerian fighter stands at 1.80m tall and explained she is working with her team on adapting to the new division.
JUST IN: Rory McIlroy's wife 'makes big decision on relationship' just days after golf star won the Masters
Imane Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics back in the summerREUTERS"I'm studying with the team how to best adapt to the new division," she said.
Khelif appears confident about her preparation for the 2028 Games.
"What I want is to do a perfect job, to arrive in better shape than I did in Paris, given that I now have greater mental and physical balance," she added.
"I'm focused on achieving a second Olympic gold in 2028, as well as preparing for the transition to professional."
READ MORE: Michael Schumacher 'travels via helicopter' to meet new grandchild after daughter Gina gives birth
The Algerian gold medallist indicated she is waiting for the right opportunity to make the move.
"For the transition to professional, I'll be waiting for a good contract, and the best offer will convince me," Khelif explained.
Despite the controversy that surrounded her participation in Paris, Khelif remains positive about her impact.
She insisted she believes she is a "symbol for many women around the world."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The boxer has previously defended herself against the IBA's claims, stating in February that she would explore "all necessary legal steps" to ensure her rights and "principles of fair competition are upheld."
The IBA, which had administered the disputed 2023 tests, launched legal action against the International Olympic Committee in February for allowing Khelif and Lin to compete at Paris 2024.
Khelif responded by accusing the organisation of making "baseless accusations" to "further their agenda".
The controversy stemmed from the IBA's claims that both boxers had failed gender eligibility tests at the 2023 World Championships.
Imane Khelif was permitted to take part in the Paris Olympics despite controversy surrounding her involvementGETTYLooking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, World Boxing, the new governing body for Olympic boxing, is expected to announce eligibility rules in the coming weeks.
Boris van der Vorst, World Boxing president, said a working group and the organisation's medical committee will develop a sex, age and weight policy.
Van der Vorst stated that the governing body aims to create a level-playing field for men and women while ensuring the safety of boxers.
