Angela Carini, an Italian Olympic boxer, stepped out of her battle against Imane Khelif after only 46 seconds, handing the Algerian fighter the victory.
Carini and Khelif entered the ring today (August 1) at the Paris 2024 Olympics but barely exchanged a few blows before Carini pulled out of the welterweight 16-round match. The Italian boxer’s headgear appeared to come off twice before she surrendered, and she refused to shake Khelif’s hand upon her victory. Carini also appeared to get upset in the ring before leaving the match.
The Italian commented on her decision, saying, “I have always been devoted to my nation. This time, I failed because I was unable to fight anymore. So I ended the contest.” According to the ANSA news agency, Carini discussed departing early after the battle, stating, “I got into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much, so I had enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”
The International Boxing Association reported that Khelif’s unexpected disqualification from the 2023 world championships stemmed from an undisclosed gender eligibility test due to increased testosterone levels. According to a Reuters article, she failed because IBA eligibility regulations prohibit athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in women’s sports. The Algerian boxer previously earned a silver medal at the International Boxing Association’s 2022 World Championship.
Before the bout, the Algerian Olympic Committee made a statement condemning what it called “falsehoods” and claimed “unethical targeting and maligning of our valued athlete, Imane Khelif, using unsubstantiated propaganda from some international media sources.” Despite the continued controversy surrounding allegations against the Algerian boxer, the Olympic Committee denounced the attacks before the match. The Algeria Olympic Committee also stated that “such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. The COA has taken every necessary precaution to protect our champion.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also defended the athletes competing in this year’s Olympics, stating that they have all cleared eligibility. On Tuesday, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated, “These athletes have competed many times before for many years; they have not just suddenly arrived; they competed in Tokyo.”