At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, boxer Imán Chalífová proudly claimed gold in the women's 66 kg category, leaving little room for her competitors to challenge her dominance. However, her victory sparked intense discussions globally regarding her biological identity. This controversy intensified especially following a poignant moment when her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, broke down in tears, leaving the ring just 46 seconds into their match after receiving a powerful blow to the face. As reactions poured in, accusations arose questioning whether Chalífová was genuinely a woman and capable of competing in the female category.

The debate surrounding Chalífová transcended sport, garnering attention from political and cultural sectors, thus drawing unprecedented focus to women's boxing within the Olympic context. Since her Olympic victory, Chalífová had refrained from competing further, initially rejecting the mandatory sex verification tests imposed by the World Boxing organization, which oversees amateur boxing and will continue to do so for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. This stance contributed to the ongoing discussions about fairness and inclusivity in women's sports, particularly in light of her remarkable performance and the subsequent backlash.

Recently, however, Chalífová has reportedly reconsidered her position regarding the sex verification tests and confirmed that she will comply with the requirements moving forward. This decision marks a potential shift in her approach to competition, as she plans to defend her title in the next Olympic Games. Chalífová's journey highlights the ever-complex interplay of identity, sports, and societal perceptions, raising critical questions about the future of women's boxing and inclusivity in the sport.