An Italian female boxer who withdrew from her match at the Paris Olympics against an Algerian competitor embroiled in a gender eligibility debate has explained her decision to leave the ring.
Angela Carini entered the ring on Thursday aiming to compete against Imane Khelif in a 66-kilogram category fight. However, just 46 seconds into the match, Carini signaled to her corner to end the fight, leaving Khelif to celebrate while Carini was visibly upset.
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Angela Carini of Team Italy reacts after withdrawing from the Women’s 66kg preliminary match against Imane Khelif of Team Algeria during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris.
(Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
During the fight, Carini was seen going to her corner twice; once to adjust her headgear after receiving a punch and then to inform her corner she was pulling out of the competition.
“I stepped into the ring ready to fight,” she stated via Italy’s ASNA.
“I didn’t quit, but a punch was too painful, so I declared it was enough and left with pride.”
Khelif advances to the next round of the women’s 66-kilogram division, but her victory takes place amidst a wave of controversy.
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Algerian Imane Khelif, right, and Italian Angela Carini in tears. (Getty Images)
The Algerian competitor was disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships after the International Boxing Association determined Khelif had elevated testosterone levels.
IBA President Umar Kremlev clarified this decision, stating that DNA tests revealed athletes who attempted to misrepresent themselves as women, confirming that they had XY chromosomes. These athletes were subsequently barred from competition.
The International Olympic Committee authorized Khelif to compete, while the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) defended Khelif against media scrutiny preceding the match.
“The COA vehemently criticizes the unethical targeting and defamation of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, due to unfounded allegations from certain foreign media,” the organization said, via Reuters.
“Such attacks on her character and dignity are blatantly unjust, particularly as she approaches the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. The COA hasImplement all necessary steps to safeguard our champion.”
Officials from Italy have voiced their doubts regarding Khelif’s eligibility.
Imane Khelif of Team Algeria interacts with a coach after Angela Carini of Team Italy, not pictured, withdrew from the Women’s 66kg preliminary match during the Olympic Games in Paris on Aug. 1, 2024.
(Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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“It is alarming to see the lack of specific, rigid, and uniform criteria at the international level,” stated Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, who expressed concern over the potential for unfair competition at the Olympics, a symbol of sporting integrity.
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