Imane Khelif and Mike Tyson fight clarified amid claims boxing icon has challenged Olympics champion
Imane Khelif and Mike Tyson won't be fighting despite rumours on social media
REUTERS/GETTY
Mike Tyson's camp have debunked claims that the boxing icon has challenged controversial Olympic champion Imane Khelif to a fight.
Rumours have spread on social media that Iron Mike will go up against the Algerian star at some point following her recent gold medal in Paris.
One post, which has been liked by over 1,200 people, even went as far to say that Tyson was ready to donate all proceeds to a women's charity.
Khelif's gender has been scrutinised, despite the 25-year-old being born and raised female.
Imane Khelif and Mike Tyson won't be fighting despite rumours on social media
REUTERS/GETTY
But Tyson's camp have now shot down the rumours once and for all.
“It’s absolutely false. Mr Tyson has yet to publicly comment about that situation," a spokesperson for the boxing legend told Reuters.
Khelif has faced criticism online, with Elon Musk, Donald Trump and JK Rowling all piling in on the Algerian.
Since winning gold earlier this month, she has decided to file a cyberbullying lawsuit - with Khelif naming Musk and Rowling in her complaint.
JUST IN: Kylian Mbappe sends message to Jude Bellingham after firing Real Madrid to UEFA Super Cup glory
The Olympics star says she's been 'affected' by comments from famous faces around the world.
And she also shut down claims she's 'transgender', while praising the people of Algeria for giving her support.
"Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world, and even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing..... that affected me," she said.
"I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can't describe to you the amount of fear I had.
READ MORE: Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight 'may get stopped' with boxing icon 'too old' to return to the ring
"The scenario was very scary.
"Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will,' said the Algerian boxer.
"Honestly, I don't like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.
"Sports and politics are two separate things. These politicians who are oppressing me, they don't have the right to say that I'm a transgender."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Pep Guardiola 'feared being sacked by Man City' and 'nearly left after one year' as details emerge
- Sven Goran-Eriksson brands Ulrika Jonsson affair 'stupid' as terminally ill former England boss speaks out
- British Olympian Eilish McColgan 'incredibly proud' after breaking Scottish record with new event eyed for LA
Imane Khelif was emotional after recently winning gold at the Paris Olympics
REUTERS
Tyson, meanwhile, is currently preparing for his upcoming fight with Jake Paul.
The pair had been due to fight on July 20, only for the showdown to be pushed back after the boxing icon suffered an ulcer flare up.
Tyson insists he's feeling 'great' as the clash on November 15 approaches.
Mike Tyson is currently preparing for his boxing fight with Jake Paul
GETTY
But there are still concerns the bout will be cancelled at short notice amid fears over Tyson's health.
Both men are set to speak at a press conference on August 18.
Peyton Manning will be a special guest in attendance, with the NFL icon confirmed to be at the big event.
You may like
