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      When is Imane Khelif’s next fight at the Olympics? Opponent and start time

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      GENDER row boxer Imane Khelif continues her Olympics campaign this weekend, despite the controversy surrounding her participation in Paris. Khelif beat Italian Angela Carini, who quit their bout after 46 seconds, in the last 16. Algeria’s Imane Khelif beat Italy’s Angela Carini in their women’s 66kg fightCredit: APThe fight sparked global outrage over Khelif’s inclusion at the Games, having been disqualified from last year’s Women’s Boxing World Championships for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria. The International Olympic Committee said she was disqualified after failing a testosterone level test.Khelife lost in the quarter-final to eventual gold medal winner Kellie Harrington at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, and has nine defeats on her record in total. But she’ll be looking to go all the way this time, and next up is Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori. When is Imane Khelif fighting next at the Olympics?Imane Khelif takes on Anna Luca Hamori in the quarter-finals of the 66kg division on Saturday, August 3. The bout will get underway at approximately 4.22pm BST and is set to be under a massive spotlight. Hamori has said she isn’t scared of facing Khelif at all, even with all the furore surrounding her. She told reporters: “I’m not scared. I don’t care about the press story and social media. Most read in Boxing”If she or he is a man, it will be a bigger victory for me if I win.”If Khelif wins, she guarantees herself a bronze medal with a spot in the semi-final. A loss would see her crash out of the quarter-final stage at a second successive Olympic games. More

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      If they handed out Olympic medals for common sense, Angela Carini would have got gold for quitting controversial fight

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      IF they handed out Olympic medals for sound common sense, Italy’s Angela Carini would have won gold in the boxing ring in Paris yesterday.The 25-year-old welterweight’s opponent was Algerian Imane Khelif, who was disqualified from last year’s New Delhi World Championship for failing to meet the necessary gender eligibility criteria.Imane Khelif’s participation at the Olympics in Paris has caused a stirCredit: REXThe Algerian, who stopped Italy’s Angela Carini in 46 seconds, previously failed a gender testCredit: REXCarini rightfully called a halt to the contest to prevent herself from sustaining serious damageCredit: EPAIn other words, Khelif had failed the sex test — and that meant her punches were more like a man’s than a woman’s, which made her extremely dangerous to female fighters.So it would have been no surprise to boxers — amateur or professional — when the Naples fighter walked out of her contest after just 46 seconds, the first time she was hit hard in the face.Carini said: “I didn’t want to fight any more, it hurt so much.”Her coach added: “She felt pain in her nose.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSI’m sure elite fighters like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will applaud Carini for walking out the way she did.She exposed the IOC for the politically correct idiots they are.After winning the contest, Khelif said: “God willing, this was the first victory.”God is willing me to the golden one.” Khelif later added: “Difficult for a first fight.Most read in BoxingOlympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.”Inshallah [if Allah wills it]) for the second fight. I am very prepared because it’s been eight years of preparation.”It’s my second Olympic Games after fifth place at Tokyo. ‘I need an Olympic medal here in Paris.Female Olympic boxer WALKS OUT of fight in tears after just 46 seconds against rival who previously failed gender test”We will see who will win the second fight to know who will be the opponent.”We will be ready and we will do everything to bring back a medal for Algeria. One, two, three, viva Algeria.” More

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      ‘Hang your heads in shame,’ Olympics 2024 chiefs told after female boxer is battered by rival who failed gender test

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      FUMING Barry McGuigan told Olympic chiefs to “hang your heads in shame” after a boxer who failed a gender test battered her opponent.Italian Angela Carini, 25, quit her last-16 welterweight bout with “biological male” Imane Khelif after 46 SECONDS, insisting: “I had to safeguard my life.”Imane Khelif’s participation in the Paris 2024 Games has divided opinionCredit: GettyThe Algerian, who pummeled opponent Angela Carini, had previously failed a gender testCredit: GettyCarini abandoned the bout after a mere 46 seconds to protect herselfCredit: EPABarry McGuigan has blasted the IOC for allowing Imane Khelif to competeCredit: WILLIE VASSCarini sobbed in the ring and snubbed a handshake with Algerian Khelif, who had been disqualified from the Women’s World Championships 18 months ago and accused of “pretending to be a woman”.Former world featherweight champ McGuigan, 63, blasted: “Shocking, dangerous and profoundly unfair on women and girls.“IOC, hang your head in shame.”Olympic silver medallist swimmer Sharron Davies, 61, added: “The IOC are negligent in their duty of care to female boxers.READ MORE OLYMPICS NEWS“This is a biological male fighting a female and everyone can see it.“There is no ambiguity that the IOC do not care if a female gets seriously hurt. Or worse.”Khelif, 25, and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-ting, 28, who competes today, were both booted out of the World Championships in New Delhi in March 2023.The International Boxing Association claimed tests showed they have male XY chromosomes and raised levels of testosterone.Most read in BoxingOlympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.But, allowed to compete at the Olympics, Khelif pummeled Carini for 46 seconds, smashing her nose, before the Italian threw in the towel.A crying Carini, who was told by friends, family and the Italian government not to step into the ring, said: “It hurt so much.Olympics gender row erupts after female boxer quits against fighter disqualified from World Champs”I am heartbroken because I am a warrior but I couldn’t fight any more. I have never felt a punch like this.”Khelif faces Anna Luca Hamori in tomorrow’s quarter-finals. But the Hungarian, 23, roared: “I will win.”I’m not scared. If she or he is a man, it will be a bigger victory for me.”The IOC hit back by threatening to dump boxing out of the next Olympics if it does not get its house in order — and insisted eligibility rules will not be changed in Paris.They said: “All athletes participating in this Paris boxing tournament comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations.”The gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.”IOC and Paris 2024 Boxing Unit statement in fullA look at the full statement issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit…Every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.These rules also applied during the qualification period, including the boxing tournaments of the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games and Pacific Games, the ad hoc 2023 African qualifying tournament in Dakar (SEN) and two world qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio (ITA) and Bangkok (THA) in 2024, which involved a total of 1,471 different boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team and Individual Neutral Athletes, and featured over 2,000 qualification bouts.The PBU used the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline to develop its regulations for Paris 2024. This was to minimise the impact on athletes’ preparations and guarantee consistency between Olympic Games. These Tokyo 2020 rules were based on the post-Rio 2016 rules, which were in place before the suspension of the boxing International Federation by the IOC in 2019 and the subsequent withdrawal of its recognition in 2023.We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO. The IBA Board only ratified it afterwards and only subsequently requested that a procedure to follow in similar cases in the future be established and reflected in the IBA Regulations. The minutes also say that the IBA should “establish a clear procedure on gender testing”.The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years.Such an approach is contrary to good governance.Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games as per the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023 following its suspension in 2019. The withdrawal of recognition was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). See the IOC’s statement following the ruling.The IOC has made it clear that it needs National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus around a new International Federation in order for boxing to be included on the sports programme of the Olympic Games LA28. More

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      I quit to save my LIFE, says distraught female Olympic boxer who lasted 46 seconds against rival who failed gender test

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      ANGELA CARINI’s feared for her life as she quit her controversial fight against Imane Khelif.The Italian fought her opponent, who previously failed a gender test, for just 46 seconds before throwing in the towel.Angela Carini was in tears as she revealed why she quitCredit: TwitterImane Khelif landed two powerful punches in the opening roundCredit: AFPCarini fell to her knees and cried as the result was confirmedCredit: APCarini, 25, was hit twice in the face in round one and after the first blow she walked over to her corner to seemingly have her chin strap adjusted.But after Khelif, 25, landed a second powerful blow, the fight was abruptly ended.Carini then refused to acknowledge and shake hands with the Algerian after the referee announced the winner of the 66kg welterweight bout.She then fell to her knees and began to cry.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSKhelif’s presence at the Olympics has been deemed controversial as she was disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria.The International Olympic Committee said Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.She is one of two athletes cleared to compete in Paris along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who was stripped of a bronze medal at the World Champs for failing a gender eligibility test.Opening up on her decision to quit, Carini said: “I couldn’t carry on. I have a big pain in my nose and I said, ‘Stop’. Most read in Boxing”It’s better to avoid keeping going. My nose started dripping from the first hit.”It could be the match of my life but, in that moment, I had to safeguard my life, too. I felt to do this, I didn’t have any fear, I don’t have any fear of the ring or to get hit.Paris 2024 Olympics locked in cheating storm as swimming coach slams world record as ‘not humanly possible'”I fought very often in the national team. I train with my brother. I’ve always fought against men, but I felt too much pain today.”“I am heartbroken. I have big pain in my nose and blood on my finger.”She added: “I’m used to suffering. I’ve never taken a punch like that, it’s impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal.”I got into the ring to fight. But I didn’t feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose.”I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”I am sorry not to have taken Italy onto the podium. I entered the ring and I told myself I have to take out all of myself independently from the person I had in front of me.”And honestly, I don’t care. I said to myself, ‘This is my Olympics’. Independently, from all controversy, I just wanted to carry on and win.'”I am not one that easily surrenders. Even if they told me, let’s not fight, I would not have accepted it.”I am a fighter. My father taught me to be a warrior. “When I am in the ring, I use that mindset, the mindset of a warrior, a winning mindset. This time I couldn’t make it.”You all saw my nose that started bleeding. I didn’t lose tonight, I just surrendered with maturity.”Carini bears no ill will towards Khelif, saying: “I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy. Olympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.”I am someone who doesn’t judge anyone. I am not here to give judgements.”I simply entered the ring to fight and to fight for my dream. It didn’t happen. Evidently, God and my father wanted this and I accept it.”I am not in the position of saying this is right or wrong. I am not. “I did my job as a boxer, entering the ring and fighting. “I didn’t manage to, but I am exiting with my head held high and with a broken heart. I am a mature woman, the ring is my life. “I’ve always been very instinctive, but when I feel something is not going well, it’s not a surrender but having the maturity to stop.”After booking passage to the next round, Khelif said: “God willing, this was the first victory. “God is willing me to the golden one. Khelif later added added: “Difficult for a first fight.”Inshallah [if Allah wills it]) for the second fight. I am very prepared because it’s been eight years of preparation.”It’s my second Olympic Games after fifth place at Tokyo. ‘I need an Olympic medal here in Paris.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will see who will win the second fight to know who will be the opponent.”We will be ready and we will do everything to bring back a medal for Algeria. One, two, three, viva Algeria.” More

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      Why Cuba’s Olympic boxers disguised themselves as GIRLS to flee and turn professional until 60-year rule was overturned

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      CUBA are the kings of amateur boxing – but for six decades they were BANNED from turning professional.It left some of their great champions of the past left to flee the country, often on speed boats and even disguising themselves to do so.Odlanier Solis Fonte in the 2004 OlympicsCredit: RexYuriorkis Gamboa won gold at the 2004 Athens GamesCredit: Bongarts – GettyTurning pro in Cuba was prohibited since 1962 because their late leader Fidel Castro regarded it as corrupt.So Cubans were convinced to box for country, not cash.So much so that heavyweight legend Felix Savon – a three-time Olympic gold medalist – turned down the chance to face Mike Tyson.Legendary but controversial promoter Don King offered Savon numerous multimillion-dollar offers to defect and fight superstar Tyson.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSBut his response? “Why would I box for a $1m when I can fight for 10 million Cuban people?”Despite Savon’s loyalty to the amateur code, not all of his countrymen were willing to do so.Many of Cuba’s 2004 Olympic standouts in Athens took the plunge to leave and chase their world title dreams in America.Odlanier Solis, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Yan Barthelemy all sold their medals won in Greece for as little as £1,000 to buy food for their families.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThen, while travelling to a team training camp in Venezuela in December 2006, they made a run for it and headed to Colombia.From there, they went to Germany and signed professional contracts while awaiting US visas.GB’s super-heavyweights It inspired Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara – both future world champs – to do the same until their efforts in 2007 were initially foiled.The pair disappeared while representing Cuba in the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and were sent back home.According to The Independent, they were dressed up as women to slip through Brazilian security, but were sensationally captured in a BROTHEL.Both were then banned from ever representing Cuba again which only proved to encourage them to try to escape once more.And by 2009 they had each successfully defected to America, with Rigondeaux and Lara later going on to win world titles as pros.With five of their former Olympians tempted over to the paid ranks, Cuba suffered somewhat of a crisis at Beijing in 2008.Felix Savon famously turned down the chance to fight Mike TysonCredit: AP:Associated PressGuillermo Rigondeaux defected from Cuba and won a world titleCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionRigondeaux, left, and Erislandy Lara, right, got caught trying to defectFor the first time since 1988, they left the Games without a single gold medal in boxing.But it did not last long, because in London four years later they twice won gold and another two bronzes.Perhaps what was even more appreciated, no one from the team immediately turned over.However, by the time the next Olympics finished in Rio, Lenier Pero, Robeisy Ramirez and Joahnys Argilagos all defected.Cuban authorities then had a fight on their hands to convince their Tokyo 2020 stable to remain put after the Games were delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic.And they successfully did so and Cuba topped the medal charts with four golds and one bronze.Andy Cruz won gold in Tokyo in 2021Credit: AFPCruz is now an unbeaten proCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
      Julio Cesar La Cruz, Arlen Lopez, Roniel Iglesias and Andy Cruz took gold while Lazaro Alvarez left with bronze.Despite Cuba’s years of in-fighting to keep their top names from fleeing to turn pro – everything changed in 2022. Because Cuba finally ended their 60-year ban on pro boxing and gave the green light for fighters to turn over. And in turn, some boxers chose to divide their commitments to the amateur and pro codes following a separate controversial ruling. In 2016, boxers with pro records were welcomed back into the Olympic amateur scene. From Cuba’s last pack of medalists, only Cruz decided against it as he stands 3-0 and already touted for world titles. But 2-0 heavyweight La Cruz – who was eliminated in the last 16 in Paris – and 3-0 middleweight Lopez – through to the quarter-finals – returned to the amateurs. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is a sign Cubans are still committed to the amateur code despite the allure of prizefighting paycheques and world title honours away from home. Arlen Lopez is boxing in the Olympics despite having a pro recordCredit: EPA More

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      ‘Greatest female footballer ever’ sent off in tears for ‘criminal’ karate kick in potential last international game

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      WOMEN’S football legend Marta’s international career may have ended in tears.The Brazilian forward, 38, was sent off as her nation took on Spain in the Women’s Olympic football.Marta was left in floods of tears as events unfolded at the OlympicsCredit: GettyMarta leapt into a challenge with Spain’s Olga CarmonaThe Brazil legend caught Carmona with her high bootMarta flew into the tackleCredit: RexCarmona needed medical assistance after the foulCredit: RexMarta was shown red for the offenceCredit: AFPMarta announced earlier this year that she is calling an end to her international career at the end of 2024.And her dismissal against Spain could mean that her time in the Selecao has come to a premature end. Marta, who is widely hailed as the “greatest female footballer of all time”, was shown a straight red card for a horror high foot.The superstar leapt into a challenge with Spain captain Olga Carmona, but completely mistimed her approach.READ MORE SPORT NEWSInstead of nicking away the ball from her opponent, she saw her studs slam into the head of Carmona – giving the official no choice but to send her off.And her marching orders will effectively end her Brazil career with the South American’s going on to lose the game 1-0 and crashing out of the Olympics in the group stage.It’s extremely unlikely that the adored goalscorer will ever play in another international tournament again.Marta seemed to know that was the case and burst into tears after she saw red.Most read in FootballThe superstar was visibly distraughtCredit: APHer Brazil teammates comforted herCredit: ReutersMarta’s international career is now effectively over after announcing her intention to retire from the national squad at the end of 2024Credit: RexOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024The emotional star was coming to terms with her international career coming to an end in such a heartbreaking way.Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing either, taking to social media to react.Paris Olympics kicks off with fans BOOING Argentina during national anthem after Fernandez’s racist video about FranceOne wrote: “Not how anyone wanted this moment to go for the football legend.”While another added: “You really can’t believe what happened to Marta.”She was probably playing her last game as a professional soccer player and was sent off for a criminal kick. A sad ending.”A third simply commented: “Gutted”.And a fourth posted: “This sucks for Marta but it’s a clear red.”Marta is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 115 goals during her tenure with the national side.While she is already a two-time Olympic silver medallist, finishing second with the Brazilian side in the 2004 and 2008 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe isn’t hanging her boots up for good just yet with her club career still going strong.Marta currently plies her trade in the USA where she plays for NWSL outfit Orlando Pride.Spain won the match 1-0, sending Brazil crashing out of the Olympics in the group stageCredit: Reuters More

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      Olympics star, 26, grew up in England but can’t compete for Team GB and risks JAIL if she returns to home country

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      CINDY NGAMBA is the Olympian who grew up in England and trains with Team GB – but will not represent them.Ngamba left Cameroon for Britain aged 11 and has forged a successful path into boxing – reigning as a three-time English champion. Cindy Ngamba boxes for the Olympic Refugee teamCredit: PAAnd despite training and travelling with Team GB – she instead represents the Olympic Refugee team. She told iNews: “I feel I’m already part of Great Britain. “I train with them, travel with them, compete with them, I just don’t represent them.”Ngamba has lived in England for over half her life, where she also went to school and university while also having family in the UK. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was ten years after uprooting with her brother and uncle to Britain – where her father lived – and eight attempts before she was granted papers to stay.She was arrested in 2019 as she signed on at an immigration centre. Ngamba, 26, said: “I was with my brother. We went there, to Manchester, every week but this time, we were arrested.”They were sent to separate detention camps in London and spent two days there before the Home Office were satisfied they had family in the UK.Most read in BoxingPrison would also be a threat if Ngamba was to return to Cameroon, where same-sex sexual activity is criminalised – she revealed she was gay to her family but STILL had to prove it to the Home Office.She said: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.”GB’s super-heavyweights Ngamba received her asylum papers in 2020 and was already on track for a successful career in boxing. She first started aged 14 in Bolton Lads and Girls Club which is part of the national OnSide network of youth zones but was the only female fighter. Ngamba said: “I was the only girl. Going there meant the world to me. “It gave me something to look forward to after school and kept me off the streets where I could have been dragged into something bad.”Ngamba’s Olympic dream got the green light when she won sponsorship from the Olympic Refugee Federation.She faces Tammara Thibeault of Canada in the first round of the middleweight bracket. Ngamba trained alongside Team GB athletes at the national institute in Sheffield ahead of the Games. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd there is already hope she will finally win citizenship to join GB for the next Olympics in LA in 2028. But Ngamba said: “I’m not really focused on my future at the moment, I’m focused on the present, on my medal, on winning.”What’s happening today at The Games?WHAT TO WATCH TODAY…TODAY’S BRIT MEDAL HOPESFreestyle BMX world and European champ Kieran Reilly will be aiming to add the Olympic title to his collection (12.40pm).Team GB’s men and women will both be in contention in the rowing quadruple sculls finals (11.25am).BRITS TO WATCHAndrea Spendolini-Sirieix – daughter of First Dates star Fred – and Lois Toulson go in the 10m synchro diving final (10am).In the hockey, Team GB’s women know a win against South Africa is vital after starting with defeats to Spain and Australia (9.30am).Commonwealth bronze medallist Jemima Yeats-Brown begins her -70kg judo campaign, two years on from losing her sister Jenny to brain cancer (9.20am).GLOBAL STARS TODAYThe all-star USA men’s basketball team, featuring LeBron James and Steph Curry, face Olympic debutants South Sudan (8pm).The 100m men’s freestyle final could be a classic with Tokyo champ Caeleb Dressel, new 200m gold medallist David Popovici plus Brits Duncan Scott and Matthew Richards all in contention (9.15pm).And Jessica Fox could win her second gold of Paris 2024 if she defends her C1 canoe slalom from three years ago (4.25pm).FANCY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?The beach volleyball is always spectacular viewing at any Olympics but this year even more so – because it is being played at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.There are matches all throughout the day from 8am to 9pm.Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.Ngamba could still represent Team GB in 2028Credit: Getty More

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      From reality TV to the ‘heir to the Klitschko throne’ how GB’s heavyweights fared after Delicious Orie’s Olympic exit

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      TEAM GB’S medal-laden super-heavyweight success came to a controversial end following Delicious Orie’s Olympic exit. Orie was bidding to become GB’s sixth super-heavy medalist in seven Games but he lost a disputed decision to Davit Chaloyan of Armenia. Delicious Orie was knocked out of the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: ReutersIt means for the first time in a decade, Team GB go without a super-heavyweight medal – with Orie now touted to turn professional.But it has yielded differing success from boxing superstardom to reality TV shows and failure to live up to heavy billing. Audley Harrison, Sydney 2000 Harrison became GB’s first super-heavyweight gold medallist in Australia and came home a hero. Promoters queued up for his pro signature and soon he signed a £1million deal with the BBC to show his first ten bouts. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he got off to an excellent start with 19 straight wins in five years – until he faced Danny Williams for the Commonwealth title. Williams – who had stunned and out-of-shape Mike Tyson the year prior – won the fight by split-decision. Harrison was then beaten in his very next bout by Dominick Guinn to leave his career in crisis. Audley Harrison won Olympic gold in 2000Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdIn the years following, his world title aspirations went up in smoke with inconsistent form. Most read in BoxingHe then fought David Haye in a 2010 domestic grudge bout but lost in three rounds – landing just TWO punches.A year after the infamous defeat, Harrison featured on Strictly Come Dancing – getting KOd in round seven. Harrison’s boxing career came to a sad end in 2013 losing to future heavyweight champ and star Deontay Wilder. A year later, he starred on Celebrity Big Brother alongside boxing promoter Kellie Maloney – formerly Frank. Harrison in 2016 featured on Celebrity MasterChef and now spends his time as an occasional boxing pundit and pro poker player. David Haye KOd Audley Harrison in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHarrison went in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014Credit: GettyDavid Price, 2008 Beijing Liverpool’s 6ft 8in giant pipped a young Tyson Fury after becoming one of the only to beat the Gypsy King in the boxing ring. Price won bronze in China and turned pro with huge expectation – not helped much by future champ Tony Bellew’s prediction. Bellew told iFL TV in 2012: “David Price is the heir to the Klitschko throne.” Price, Fury and Wilder were all touted as the ones to succeed Wladimir and Vitali Klitshcko but only two of them made it. David Price won 2008 in BeijingCredit: PA:Press AssociationBecause while Fury defeated Wladimir in 2015 the same year Wilder also won the WBC belt, Price laboured behind. He was knocked out twice by Tony Thompson in 2013 – despite the American testing positive for a banned substance. Price in 2017 chased a mega-fight with Joshua and revealed he dropped a young AJ in sparring. Joshua admitted the story was true but the bout never materialised with Price further being knocked out by Christian Hammer and Alexander Povetkin. His career came to a crashing end in 2019 following defeat to Derek Chisora – with Price spending his retirement supporting his beloved Reds. Price was KOd by Alexander PovetkinCredit: ReutersAnthony Joshua, 2012 London Joshua came second in the World Championships in 2011 but ran into trouble with the law the same year. He avoided jail for drugs offences and turned his life around to qualify for the London Games – where AJ’s road to stardom began.Joshua took the gold on home soil and was quickly signed up by Eddie Hearn – at the time and up-and-coming promoter. Within four years he was heavyweight champion and one of the biggest stars in Britain. Anthony Joshua won gold at the 2012 London OlympicsCredit: PAJoshua has reigned twice as unified world champion and returns for his third crack on September 21 against Daniel Dubois. His career as a prizefighter has seen him earn over £200MILLION. Away from the ring, Joshua has sponsorship deals with Under Armour, Hugo Boss and Lucozade. And up until 2022, he was still training at Team GB’s Sheffield training HQ. Joe Joyce, 2016 Rio Joyce only began boxing at 22 after growing up as a talented track and field athletics talent. But he took to the sport well and used his huge 6ft 6in frame to win national titles and a place in the 2016 Olympic squad. And Joyce looked on the way to emulating AJ before he lost a controversial decision to France’s Tony Yoka in the final. The loss was among a series of bouts being investigated amid allegations of corrupt scoring.Joe Joyce won Olympic silver in 2016Credit: Getty Images – GettyStill, Joyce turned pro in 2017 aged 31 and raced through the ranks with a succession of big wins including against Dubois and Joseph Parker. But his career was left hanging in the balance following consecutive stoppage losses to China’s 20st giant Zhilei Zhang. Joyce did return with a laboured victory over Kash Ali before again losing to British veteran Derek Chisora. Despite the run of three defeats in four, Joyce hinted he will continue after talking down retirement. Frazer Clarke, 2021 Tokyo Clarke might have thought his Olympic dream would never come true. He first became a GB boxer in 2009 but was overlooked for Joshua in 2012 and then lost out to Joyce four years after that. Clarke – who worked security for Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing fights – eventually got called up for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. But again disaster struck as the coronavirus pandemic KOd the Games and potentially Clarke’s hopes. Frazer Clarke took bronze in 2021 in TokyoCredit: GettyClarke stuck with it and eventually made it to Japan and walked away with silver before turning pro in 2022 aged 30. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is currently unbeaten in nine bouts and featured in one of the fights of the year in 2024. Clarke shared 12 gruelling and thrilling rounds with Fabio Wardley in March – fuelling demand for an anticipated rematch. Fabio Wardley and Clarke drew in a British classicCredit: Reuters More