KUALA LUMPUR — Italian boxer Angela Carini broke down in tears after abandoning her bout against Algerian Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the match that was held at North Paris Arena earlier today.
This fight has sparked significant controversy due to Khelif’s past disqualification from the women’s world championships for failing gender eligibility tests.
Khelif is one of two boxers allowed to compete at the Olympics despite these previous disqualifications, raising questions and criticism about the fairness of her participation.
After the match, Carini explained that she pulled out after being hit harder than ever before in her career. A first punch dislodged her chinstrap, and a second punch to her chin caused severe pain and bloodied her shorts.
Carini, a 25-year-old from Naples, elaborated on her decision.
“It could be the match of my life but, in that moment, I had to safeguard my life, too.
“I’m heartbroken. I went to the ring to honour my father. I have always been called a warrior, but today I had to prioritise my health.
“I’m used to suffering. I have never taken a punch like that, it is impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal.
“I got into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much, and I said enough. I’m going out with my head held high.
“After years of experience, I felt a strong pain in my nose after the second punch. I couldn’t continue the fight. So, it was better to put an end to it,” said a visibly emotional Carini, according to The Guardian.
Carini, however, was adamant not to pull out before the fight.
“I am not one that gives in easily. Even if they had said we wouldn’t fight, I would never have accepted it. This time, I felt too much pain in my nose. I said enough.”
Khelif, speaking briefly to the BBC, remained focused on her goals.
“I am here for gold. I will fight anybody; I will fight them all.”
The controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation has drawn comments from various quarters, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“Athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be admitted to women’s competitions.
“It’s about protecting the right of female athletes to compete on equal terms,” Meloni said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced criticism for allowing both Khelif and Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei to compete.
Both fighters were disqualified from the 2023 women’s world championships for having XY chromosomes.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) defended Khelif, condemning the “unethical targeting and maligning” of their athlete, and vowing to protect Khelif’s dignity as she competed in the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. — August 1, 2024