Imane Khelif’s recent victory, who won the gold medal in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has not only elevated her status as one of the most talented female boxers in the world, but has also ignited an unexpected rivalry. Jake Paul, the controversial boxer and YouTube star, has made strong statements following Khelif’s victory, promising that he will not rest until he faces her in the ring and “avenge” Angela Carini, the Italian who fell to Khelif in the Olympic final.
Khelif, known for her speed and impeccable technique, outclassed Carini in a close fight, thus securing the long-awaited gold medal for her country. However, what seemed to be a moment of celebration for the Algerian boxer has taken an unexpected turn with Paul’s incendiary words.
In a recent interview, Paul said he is willing to “take down anyone” who stands in his way, including the Olympic champion. “Imane Khelif is good, I don’t deny that. But what she did at the Olympics to Angela Carini was unfair. Carini deserved that gold medal, and I will be the one to teach Khelif a lesson. This will not be just any fight, it will be personal.”
The relationship between Jake Paul and Angela Carini is not unknown to boxing fans. Paul has been a staunch defender of Carini ever since the Italian began to gain notoriety on the professional circuit, and her loss to Khelif seems to have sparked a deep desire for revenge in him. Although an official fight between Paul and Khelif has not been confirmed so far, Jake’s promise has captured the attention of media and fans alike.
Khelif has not responded directly to Paul’s provocations, but his followers on social media are already defending his honour. Many consider Paul’s words to be a publicity tactic to continue increasing his fame in the world of boxing, where he has already caused a stir with his controversial victories and his provocative style.
But how feasible is a fight between the two? While Jake Paul has made a career out of taking on male boxers and celebrities, his foray into a fight against an Olympic female boxer would be an entirely different challenge. Khelif, with her experience and skills, would not be an easy opponent for Paul, who, despite his recent successes, remains viewed with skepticism by boxing purists.
What is certain is that a fight between Jake Paul and Imane Khelif would be an unprecedented spectacle. Will Paul be able to fulfill his promise to defeat Khelif and avenge Carini? Or, on the contrary, will Khelif be the one to prove once again why she is the Olympic champion? The tension is in the air, and boxing fans around the world are waiting to see how this story will develop.
