Ex-NFL star leaps to defense of controversial Olympic boxer Imane Khelif as Algerian fighter secures medal with win over Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori

Former NFL player Robert Griffin III threw his support behind Algerian boxer Imane Khelif after she was dragged into a gender row by outspoken conservatives. 

Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 world championships after failing unspecified gender eligibility tests administered by the now-banned International Boxing Association. 

The 25-year-old, who is not a transgender woman and has never identified as such, allegedly has male 'XY chromosomes.'

Amid outcry from the likes of former president Donald Trump about her presence at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Griffin pointed out that Khelif is a 'biological woman' who deserves 'protection.' 

'This is one of the most cruel and unfair situations I've ever seen happen at the Olympics,' the former quarterback said in a social media clip posted Friday. 

Former NFL player Robert Griffin III threw his support behind Algerian boxer Imane Khelif

Khelif beat Anna Luca Hamori in their women's welterweight quarter-final clash Saturday

'If you do any research you will know that five million women suffer with higher testosterone levels than most females,' he explained. 

'This young girl is not a man competing against women, she's a woman who's being unfairly judged.' 

Griffin went on to explain that Khelif, who hails from rural northwestern Algeria, began boxing as a teenager because she had to 'defend herself from boys in her village' who would 'throw punches at her.' 

'Make sure you get your facts straight before you decide to speak on, or bully, someone else,' he said. 

'She should not be a part of your political narratives, she should not be used to push your own agendas.' 

Griffin captioned the clip, 'Imane Khelif is a biological woman and if you want to protect our daughters, you should protect her. If you don’t do the research to find the truth, then we should be protected from you.'

'This young girl is not a man competing against women ... being unfairly judged,' Griffin said

'Make sure you get your facts straight before you speak on, or bully, someone else,' he added

The following day, Khelif beat Anna Luca Hamori via unanimous decision in their women's welterweight quarter-final clash.

After sealing victory on Saturday, the Algerian cut an emotional figure as she stepped out of the ring, having faced criticism following her bout against Italian Angela Carini. 

Earlier in the week, Carini abandoned their fight in just 46 seconds after she was hit twice, suffered a suspected broken nose and barely threw a punch.

She then sank to her knees, beat the canvas in frustration and refused to shake Khelif's hand after conceding victory. 

Meanwhile, Olympic bosses doubled down on their decision to allow Khelif - and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting - to compete after they were disqualified from the 2023 world championship.

The IBA, who oversaw last year's world championship, had their status stripped by the IOC over governance issues and alleged corruption.

'Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination,' the IOC said in a statement, which also attacked 'misleading information about two female athletes.'

'The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.' 

The 25-year-old was cleared to compete in the women's category at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Angela Carini abandoned her fight with Khelif in 46 seconds before breaking down in tears