YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has made headlines once again, this time by challenging Algerian boxing sensation Imane Khelif after her historic gold medal victory at the 2024 Olympics. Khelif, who dominated her weight class and defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in a stunning final match, has quickly become a rising star in the world of boxing. Now, Paul has set his sights on her, promising to “defeat her and avenge Angela Carini.”
Khelif’s victory over Carini in the women’s lightweight division was a landmark moment, making her the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. Her triumph has been celebrated not only in Algeria but across the global sports community, as she showcased skill, discipline, and determination throughout the competition. However, Paul’s challenge has added a new layer of intrigue to her win.
In a post on social media, Jake Paul congratulated Khelif on her Olympic win before issuing his challenge. “Imane, you’re incredible in the ring, but now it’s my turn,” Paul wrote. “I’m going to defeat you and avenge Angela Carini’s loss. Get ready.”
Paul’s bold statement has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with many questioning whether the YouTube star-turned-professional boxer is serious about facing Khelif. While Paul has successfully defeated several high-profile opponents in the past, including MMA fighters and fellow YouTubers, a match against Khelif, an Olympic champion, would represent a significant step up in competition.
While there has been no official response from Khelif’s camp yet, fans of both fighters are eager to see if this challenge will materialize into an actual bout. If it does, it could be one of the most talked-about matches in recent boxing history, blending celebrity and Olympic-level competition.