Imane Khelif should take an ultrasound test with a view to potentially competing in a different category, according to former boxing world champion Duke McKenzie.
The Algerian has courted controversy in Paris after Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned their Olympic bout inside 46 seconds.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been forced to defend her right to compete after she was disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria.
Speaking on GB News, McKenzie said Khelif is “clearly at an advantage” with high levels of testosterone, and the IOC should consider establishing a new category.
Duke McKenzie says Khelif should take an ultrasound test
GB NEWS / GETTY
“It was quite scary to see”, he said.
“There should be more tests done if that is what they are going to allow in any sort of competition.
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“Both boxers were disqualified from a tournament a while back, so it seems like there is one rule for one and one rule for another.
“Maybe they should do an ultrasound test of some description to determine exactly what these people are from a physical perspective.
“Maybe they should have a completely different category for people who have high levels of testosterone.
“Surely there could be a lot of people fitting into that category. They are clearly at an advantage.”
Imane Khelif has been permitted to take part in the Paris Olympics despite controversy surrounding her involvementGETTYKhelif’s dad has released a document confirming she was born a girl amid claims she is a trans woman.
As per Mail Online, Amar Khelif showed an official document dated May 2, 1999, confirming her gender at birth.
He then hit out at the ongoing criticism of his daughter, before expressing his desire for her to go on to win Olympic gold.
“The attacks against her are immoral, it is not fair”, he said.
Duke McKenzie spoke on GB News about the Olympics controversy
GB NEWS
“Imane is a little girl that has loved sport since she was six-years-old, she used to play football. These critics and rumours aim to destabilise Imane, they don't want her to be the champion of the world.
“I tell her prove them wrong in the ring and I hope that she will honour Algeria and Arabic countries and win the gold medal. She is our role model, and we want to be like her and honour Algeria and Tiaret.”
Khelif’s opponent in the last round, Angela Carini, has issued an apology to the Algerian after her decision to quit the bout sparked ire.
She snubbed Khelif’s post-fight handshake.