Benjamin Watson, a 15-year NFL veteran, Super Bowl champion, outspoken Christian, and pro-life advocate, told his social media followers on Friday to “dig a little deeper” into the controversy surrounding Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif.
Outrage has ensued since Khelif claimed victory over Italian Angela Carini during an women’s Olympic boxing match on Thursday (Aug. 1). Khelif defeated Carini in 46 seconds after Khelif punched Carini in the nose, forcing Carini to retreat to her corner and forfeit the bout.
After the fight Carini said, “I felt a severe pain in my nose, and with the maturity of a boxer, I said ‘enough,’ because I didn’t want to, I didn’t want to, I couldn’t finish the match.”
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Khelif (25) was disqualified from the 2023 International Boxing Association’s (IBA) Women’s World Boxing Championships after failing a gender eligibility test, which reportedly indicated that Khelif had both X and Y chromosomes. Khelif fought for Algeria at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, losing in the quarterfinals to Ireland’s Kellie Harrington.
According to multiple reports, Khelif was recognized as female, not male, birth.
Following critical statements from athletes, influencers, and even former President Donald Trump, Watson said that while “outrage over this boxing match is understandable,” he would “encourage everyone to dig a little deeper.”
“Issues of sexuality, including trans athletes, have been lightning rods in the news lately as they should be,” he added. “Men should not compete against women. However, Imane Khelif is not trans and should not be vilified as such.”
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The former NFL player said that he feels for “both of these athletes who are dealing with vitriol, fear and disappointment at what should be a time of celebration.”
“Purity and fairness in sport competition matters and the IOC should prioritize protecting it,” Watson said. “But I believe this situation is more complex than many people are willing to consider.”
It is also important to note that Algeria has strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and violations include imprisonment, discrimination, and vigilante executions.
The outrage over this boxing match is understandable but I’d encourage everyone to dig a little deeper. Issues of sexuality, including trans athletes, have been lightning rods in the news lately as they should be. Men should not compete against women. However, Imane Khelif is not… pic.twitter.com/hj1Kt5GsKG
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) August 2, 2024
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