Elon Musk, the tech billionaire known for his unconventional behavior and controversial statements, has once again stirred up public debate—this time involving the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Musk recently made headlines when he threatened to withdraw his financial and promotional support for the WBO following the announcement of a record-breaking $35 million prize awarded to rising boxing star Iman Khalifa.
The controversy began when Khalifa, a 24-year-old Egyptian-American boxer, won her championship bout earlier this month, securing the unprecedented payout. The prize, which dwarfs even those offered to many male champions, was widely celebrated as a milestone for gender equality in sports.
However, Musk, who has been a vocal advocate for competitive sports and often champions controversial causes, expressed strong opposition to the WBO’s decision.
In a series of tweets, Musk argued that the $35 million prize was “excessive and unsustainable,” claiming it sets a dangerous precedent for the financial stability of professional boxing. “The WBO should focus on promoting sustainability and fairness in payouts,” Musk tweeted. “This isn’t about equality—it’s about common sense.”
Musk’s comments sparked immediate backlash from fans, athletes, and activists. Many accused him of undermining Khalifa’s achievement and perpetuating gender inequality.
Others pointed out that Musk, who has invested heavily in ventures like SpaceX and Tesla with significant financial risks, should be the last person to lecture anyone on sustainability.
The WBO responded to the controversy in a statement defending its decision. According to the organization, the prize reflects Khalifa’s market value and her ability to draw record-breaking pay-per-view audiences.
“Iman Khalifa has redefined what it means to be a global boxing champion,” the statement read. “She is not only a trailblazer for women in the sport but also a massive economic asset to the boxing world.”
Musk’s ties to the WBO have been significant in recent years. He has used his vast social media influence and financial resources to promote high-profile matches, helping the organization expand its global reach.
Musk even hinted at plans to incorporate advanced technologies like virtual reality into boxing events, aiming to attract younger audiences. However, his threat to withdraw support could have serious implications for the WBO, particularly if other sponsors and tech partners follow suit.
Iman Khalifa, for her part, has remained composed amidst the controversy. In an interview with ESPN, she addressed Musk’s comments with grace and poise. “I have immense respect for Elon Musk and what he’s accomplished,” Khalifa said. “But this is bigger than me or him. This is about showing that women’s sports deserve the same recognition and rewards as men’s.”
Khalifa’s victory has catapulted her to global fame. Born in Cairo and raised in Los Angeles, she overcame significant challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport.
From facing financial struggles to breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, Khalifa’s journey has resonated with millions around the world. Her victory speech, where she dedicated her win to “every little girl who dared to dream,” has since gone viral, earning her widespread admiration.
Despite the backlash, Musk has doubled down on his stance. In a follow-up tweet, he suggested that the WBO consider capping future prize amounts to ensure “equitable growth” across all divisions. “This isn’t about sexism,” he insisted. “It’s about ensuring the sport remains viable for generations to come.”
Critics, however, have questioned Musk’s motives, with some accusing him of using the controversy to distract from other issues. Over the past year, Musk’s leadership at Twitter, now rebranded as X, has faced scrutiny amid declining ad revenue and staff layoffs. By taking a controversial stance on a high-profile issue like Khalifa’s prize, some speculate Musk is attempting to shift public focus.
Public opinion on the matter remains divided. While some fans support Musk’s call for fiscal prudence, many others have rallied behind Khalifa and the WBO’s decision. Hashtags like #ImanKhalifa and #SupportWomensSports have trended on social media, with prominent figures from Hollywood, politics, and sports voicing their support for the boxer.
The debate has also reignited broader discussions about gender equality in professional sports. Historically, female athletes have received significantly lower pay and fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Khalifa’s $35 million prize represents a groundbreaking moment, but it also underscores the uphill battle that remains for women in sports.
As the controversy unfolds, one thing is certain: the spotlight on Iman Khalifa has never been brighter. Her meteoric rise, coupled with Musk’s polarizing intervention, has turned her into a symbol of progress and resilience. Whether Musk ultimately follows through on his threat remains to be seen, but the larger conversation he has sparked will likely continue to resonate far beyond the boxing ring.
For now, Khalifa is focusing on what she does best—training and inspiring the next generation of athletes. “At the end of the day, the ring doesn’t care who you are,” she said. “It’s what you bring to the fight that matters.” And for Khalifa, the fight is far from over.
