Boxer Imane Khelif dominant again, into gold medal bout - ESPN

PARIS — Boxer Imane Khelif of Algeria advanced to the gold-medal bout in the women's welterweight division at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday night, moving one win away from what she calls the best response to the worldwide scrutiny she has faced over misconceptions about her gender.

With one more victory, Khelif would win Algeria's second boxing gold medal and its first in women's boxing.

Khelif defeated Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand 5-0 in the semifinals at Roland Garros, where the crowd roared and chanted her name throughout her three-round fight. Khelif has won three consecutive bouts in Paris, and she will win either a gold or a silver medal when she completes the tournament on Friday against Yang Liu of China.

Khelif had already clinched Algeria's first medal in women's boxing before she stepped into the ring to rousing roars at Court Philippe Chatrier.

She controlled her bout with Suwannapheng, who took a standing 8-count late in the third after absorbing a series of punches. Khelif has won every round on every judge's card in her two fights that have gone the distance in Paris.

After hugging Suwannapheng, Khelif celebrated in the ring, running joyously in place while pumping her fists as the crowd roared for her again. Khelif received her post-fight medical check and was headed out of the arena when she was mobbed by fans near the exit. They hugged Khelif, demanded selfies and waved Algerian flags while she made her way backstage.

The ending of Khelif's first bout in Paris propelled her into the center of a worldwide divide over gender identity and safety regulations in sports. Her first opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, tearfully quit after just 46 seconds, saying she was in too much pain from Khelif's punches.