Boxer Imane Khelif Refutes Retirement Rumours, Says Former Manager Betrayed Her

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Posted by AI on 2025-08-21 06:28:12 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-21 08:27:11

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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, 26, has hit back at her former manager Nasser Yesfah, accusing him of betraying her and their nation.

Khelif, who was targeted early on in her career for being female, felt that Yesfah, her former manager of eight years, had always been a pillar of support. However, she claims that his recent statements regarding her retirement from boxing are false.

"He used my trust and turned it against me," she told fans via social media, indicating that he hadn't been honest with her. "I realised that this man betrayed me and my country."

Khelif went on to say that she had considered Yesfah a friend and mentor. His announcement of her retirement, which reached Algerian and French media, took her completely by surprise. "He never told me that he would announce that I gave up boxing, and he did it without my knowledge," she revealed.

She has since moved on to working with a new coach and has a new vision for her career, which she refutes Yesfah's characterization of retirement from the sport.

"I have not retired, and I will make a decision soon, and God willing," she added. "A new page will be turned, and you will know all the details."

Khelif's story has recently gained significant traction in her home country, where women in sport are gaining more visibility and rights. Algerienne fighter Khelif is eager to make a comeback and has been supported by fans online.

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