UFC star Israel Adesanya publicly apologizes for calling Imane Khelif ‘transgender’ over Paris Olympics controversy
Israel Adesanya apologizes for questioning the fairness of pitting Imane Khelif against biological females at the Paris Olympics 2024.
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Israel Adesanya apologizes for assuming Imane Khelif is trans at Paris Olympics (Source: X/IMAGO)
The only relevant question in the week’s frenzy over Imane Khelif is whether she goes home with gold. As for her Paris Olympics 2024 gender row, it has been a mayhem. The Algerian Olympics boxer was subject to faux internet frustration who jumped the gun on incorrect details. Part of that was UFC middleweight Israel Adesanya, who thought Khelif was transgender.
However, Izzy now apologizes for the strain of thought. After shaking up the accusations that Imane Khelif is an alleged trans boxer, it is not the case. In an exclusive with Sky News, even her father, Omar Khelif, provided documentation about the gender row. Hence, Israel Adesanya is among many who are starting to apologize for labeling her as trans.
You know what...I'm going to leave women's fight to women, ...I'ma leave it to you guys...She wasn’t actually trans. To the lady, to the boxer my bad, I got that wrong....?: The Rock’s Podcast (@therockfm) | YT with Israel Adesanya
Izzy joined The Rock’s Podcast co-hosts Mel Abbot, Bryce Casey, and Roger Farrelly for a pre-fight media availability round. He faces Dricus Du Plessis for the 185-pound title gold next at UFC 305, Live from RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.
‘Stylebender’ said his views morphed after the presser by the ex-chair of the IBA medical committee and OB-GYN Ioannis Filippatos. The IBA could not provide any additional details as the Algerian Olympic Committee has refused to allow the result of the failed test to be made public.
This is an ongoing issue that will not reach a conclusion. The combat sports community has also chimed in with their takes. ‘Bad Guy’ Chael Sonnen and PFL’s Derek Brunson have been a few who supported the boxer recently. Now, Israel Adesanya joins them amongst others.
Claressa Shields apologizes for billing Imane Khelif as transgender
Khelif, 25, recently defeated Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-final schedule at 4:34 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August. 6th. Accordingly, Khelif is now eligible for the gold spot. However, the journey wasn’t always smooth. Imane Khelif failed a gender test at last year’s World Championships. Nevertheless, the IOC allowed her participation in the Paris Olympics 2024 as they have not done any such tests since 1999.
Thereafter, the online rage mob found an excuse to jump the gun when Italy’s Angela Carini quit in just under 46 seconds, fearing her power. Disregarding the hormonal imbalances, they took it for granted that she was a man in women’s Olympic boxing. Others like boxing G.O.A.T. Claressa Shields expressed genuine concerns for her women peers in the sport. However, now she backtracks on her views.
You can’t look at a woman and say ‘Oh, she doesn’t have a high level of testosterone,’ because it can come in all different forms…I feel bad now because I did an interview with Fox News earlier where I literally called these two women, transgenders. I wish I would’ve did my research before...Claressa Shields in a TMZSports Exclusive (@TMZSports)
Shields had joined Paris Olympics ’24 celeb boxing coach Jake Paul to caricature the inclusion of genetic males in women’s boxing. Khelif’s Olympic success was met with criticism from UFC stars like Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya. Now, more have come forward and apologized for their earlier statements.
In case you missed it:
- JK Rowling BLASTS ‘misogynist’ Olympics committee for allowing gender test-failing boxer to beat female opponent
- Amidst brutal ‘transgender’ allegations, Algeria’s Imane Khelif pleads fans to stop the bullying
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