WWE star Sami Zayn throws his support behind Imane Khelif – as he calls for ‘b****asses online to get the help they need’ after ‘bigoted’ attacks on boxer at the centre of gender storm

Muslim WWE star Sami Zayn has openly supported Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who is at the center of controversy regarding her alleged ‘gender ineligibility,’ after she clinched her spot in the Olympic gold medal match following her win on Tuesday evening.

Khelif secured victory over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng by points in a repeat of their semi-final clash at the 2023 World Championship, an event that preceded her disqualification due to reported gender ineligibility test failures.

The 25-year-old has received vocal support from the IOC regarding her participation in the Paris competition amidst widespread misinformation claiming that Khelif was born ‘biologically male.’

After defeating her initial opponent Angela Carini in Paris, who withdrew just 46 seconds into their bout, Khelif has been under intense scrutiny as she advanced through the women’s welterweight category.

Zayn, whose real name is Rami Sebei, urged Khelif to leave everything on the ring in her forthcoming gold medal bout against Liu Yang from China, expressing his support for her.

Sami Zayn, real name Rami Sebei, shows support for boxer Imane Khelif

The Algerian fighter has advanced to the gold medal match after her victory on Tuesday

Zayn congratulated Khelif on her performance via social media on Tuesday evening

‘Big ups to our Muslim sister Imane Khelif who moved forward in the Olympics today to contend for the gold medal, facing off against a barrage of the most absurd, bigoted comments I’ve ever seen aimed at an Olympic athlete,’ Zayn expressed on X (formerly Twitter).

‘Inshallah she takes home the gold, and those negative individuals online get the support they need.’

Khelif’s semi-final against Suwannapheng was witnessed by a rousing crowd of Algerian supporters, to whom she expressed her gratitude after her triumph.

‘I am focused,’ Khelif stated. ‘I am here for a remarkable performance and to pursue my dream. I will give my all for the final.’

‘I am extremely happy. I appreciate all the support here in Paris. Thank you to everyone from Algeria who came to support me.’

Earlier this week, Khelif utilized her first sit-down interview to encourage Olympic fans to ‘cease bullying athletes’ and to ‘uphold the Olympic charter’ in light of the criticisms she has faced.

The 25-year-old secured a unanimous points victory over Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand

Khelif received loud support from her fellow countrymen at Roland Garros Stadium

While Khelif has enjoyed the support of the IOC, who also approved the participation of Lin Yu-ting, a Chinese competitor disqualified by the IBA on similar grounds, the beleaguered boxing governing body has maintained its stance during a disorganized press conference on Monday.

IBA President Umar Kremlev criticized the IOC and labeled President Thomas Bach with derogatory terms while reaffirming the IBA’s test results, failing to provide further details on the tests conducted.

The IBA alleges that both Khelif and Lin possess ‘male XY chromosomes,’ yet has not disclosed the specifics of the tests that led to this conclusion.

Lin is set to compete in her featherweight semi-final against Esra Yildiz Kahraman on Wednesday evening.