1. Italian boxer Angela Carini quit her bout against Algeria’s Imane Khelif after 46 seconds.
2. Carini claims the result should not be seen as a defeat.
3. Speculation suggests Carini’s decision was influenced by Khelif’s past gender eligibility issues.
Paris, Aug 02: The sporting world and social media have been buzzing after Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her welterweight round of 16 bout against Algeria’s Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the match on Thursday, August 1, at the Paris Olympics.
Carini insisted that the result should not be considered a defeat, while many believe her decision was influenced by Khelif’s history of failing a gender eligibility test at the 2023 World Championships.
The Incident
Carini made headlines when, after a 30-second discussion with her coach, she returned to the ring only to refuse to continue fighting against Khelif.
She later described Khelif’s punches as the hardest she had ever faced, with one punch dislodging her chinstrap and causing her shorts to be splattered with blood. In an emotional moment, Carini was seen sitting in the center of the ring in tears after forfeiting the bout.
Khelif’s Background
Khelif, who secured a silver medal at the 2022 World Championship, was disqualified just hours before her gold medal bout in New Delhi last year due to not meeting the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) eligibility criteria.
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However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) overruled the IBA’s verdict, allowing Khelif to participate in the Paris Olympics.
Carini’s Explanation
Carini maintained that her decision to leave the ring was due to an apparent nose injury. Despite this, the incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media.
“For me, it’s not a defeat. For me, when you climb those ropes, you’re already a warrior, you’re already a winner. Regardless of everything, it’s okay, I am fine like this. I didn’t lose tonight … I only did my job as a fighter. I got in the ring and I fought. I didn’t make it. I’m coming out with my head held high and with a broken heart,” Carini said.
Carini’s Perspective
Carini emphasized that her decision was not about giving up but about maturity and instinct. “I’m a mature woman. The ring is my life. I’ve always been very instinctive. And when I feel that something isn’t right, it’s not giving up. It’s having the maturity to stop. It’s having the maturity to say, ‘OK, that’s enough’.”
Carini’s Comments on Khelif
Despite the loss ending her Olympic dream, Carini expressed her opinion on the controversy surrounding Khelif. “I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy. I am someone who doesn’t judge anyone. I am not here to give judgments. For me, they weren’t things that stopped me or blocked me mentally.”
IOC’s Statement
The IOC released a statement on the issue, emphasizing Khelif’s long-term participation in the category. Since the IBA’s recognition was revoked, the IOC has been responsible for decisions regarding global boxing.
However, the eligibility criteria have not been updated. “What I would say is that this involves real people and we are talking about real people’s lives here. They have competed and they continue to compete in the women’s competition. They have lost and they have won against other women over the years,” IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated.
The IOC has also allowed Taiwan’s two-time world champion Lin Yu-ting to participate in the Paris Olympics after she was previously disqualified for a similar reason.
Carini concluded by reiterating her commitment and determination. “I got in the ring and I said, ‘I’m going to give it all I’ve got, regardless of the person in front of me, who doesn’t interest me at this moment. I had to give my best. So, concerning all the controversies, I was never interested. I went in and I just wanted to win.”
