Topics: Boxing, Olympics, Boxing News
Piers Morgan has spoken out about reigning Olympic champion Imane Khelif after deleting a post about the boxer.
Earlier this week, World Boxing - boxing's governing body at amateur level - wrote a letter to the Algerian Boxing Association, in which they stated that Khelif could not compete in any of their events until she undergoes genetic screening.
The Algerian won the women's welterweight title at Paris 2024 amid question marks over her gender eligibility.
A year earlier, she had been disqualified from the World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test.
Advert
The IBA was stripped of its status as boxing's governing body in July 2023.
The IOC stated that Khelif had 'complied with the competition's eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations' before entering the Olympics.
The row has re-opened in recent days after 3 Wire Sports and Olympics reporter Alan Abrahamson published a 'leaked' document, claimed to be results from a 2023 genetic screening test conducted on the Algerian.
It is claimed that the document, which contains personal details, was published by Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi.
The tests allegedly show that there was an 'abnormal result' revealing a 'male karyotype'.
The IOC, however, had previously dismissed the test as 'not legitimate'.
On Tuesday, World Boxing apologised to Khelif for specifically naming her in their letter surrounding the genetic testing plans, stating that they should have respected her right to privacy.
They had stated that mandatory sex testing is due to be introduced next month to 'ensure the safety of all participants and deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women'.
The Algerian and her father have both stressed that she is a woman and was raised as a woman, with the IOC confirming that the issue surrounding the boxer is not a transgender issue.
Now, broadcaster Morgan has had his say - after deleting a previous post about Khelif.
He wrote: "The biology-denying woke brigade abused and shamed me for saying it was outrageous and dangerous for Khelif to be beating up women at the Olympics. I'm ready for their apology, but won't hold my breath."
It must be noted that, despite Morgan's comments, Khelif has yet to undergo the genetic screening test that would indicate her gender eligibility under World Boxing's new rules.
