"Nabil" opens up for the first time on the favoritism issue after being approached to fight boxing at the 2028 Olympics (Video).
On 12 August 2026 GMT+7, Nabil Anan, a 22-year-old Thai-Algerian-French boxer and former ONE Muay Thai bantamweight world champion, posted a video expressing his feelings on social media after controversy arose over his invitation to compete in Olympic boxing 2028.
After the news broke, Nabil Anan was accused of benefiting from favoritism. Typically, the selection of boxers for the Olympics involves competing in the Thailand championship to prove skills before consideration for international tournaments.
Recently, Nabil Anan addressed the accusations regarding the 2028 Olympic boxing, saying, "There’s news going around that I will be competing in amateur Olympic boxing."
"The news just came out a little while ago. I haven’t said much yet, no press conference or anything, but I’ve already been criticized and teased. It’s okay though—I haven’t even fully learned the details."
"I haven’t said anything yet, haven’t held a press conference, and the Olympics won’t be until 2028. It’s 2026 now, so there’s still plenty of time."
"Since we’re on the topic, this Friday, 14 August, I will hold a press conference at Evolve MMA. Anyone wanting more information can come. Hopefully, by then, there will be more clarity."
"People say I’m favored, but honestly, there has to be a selection process, especially at the Olympic level. I understand—it’s not like I just train and suddenly get to compete and win medals, right?"
"It’s normal that I have to go through trials. I’m not clueless. If I can’t make it, then that’s that. I’m not the only one trying out; if someone else is more capable, they’ll go instead. They just want to give me a chance to see if I can do it."
"I have to go through selection. If I don’t pass, then someone else who passes will go. I’m confused—just a few days after the news broke, I’m already being criticized. What’s going on?"
"It’s okay. I’ll show you myself. I won’t just talk; I’ll show you. I can do it too. That’s all."
*Thanks to Nabil Anan for the photo