Controversial Olympic Bout Ends in Outrage as Italian Boxer Angela Carini Abandons Fight After 46 Seconds Against Imane Khelif

In a highly contentious Olympic boxing match, a bout between Italy’s Angela Carini and Algeria’s Imane Khelif ended in just 46 seconds, sparking widespread controversy and debate. The match, described by many as one of the most controversial in Olympic history, left Carini visibly upset and ignited discussions on gender and fairness in sports.

The fight commenced with both boxers entering the ring, but it quickly took an unexpected turn. Just two punches from Khelif, who had previously been banned from a major boxing event for failing testosterone tests, led to Carini throwing her helmet to the floor in frustration. She shouted, “This is unjust,” as the referee stopped the match and declared Khelif the winner. The Italian boxer refused to shake hands and, overwhelmed with emotion, fell to the canvas in tears.

Speaking shortly after Carini’s decision to withdraw, Italian PM, Meloni, criticised the IOC’s decision to allow Khelif to compete and said the contest ‘was not a competition on equal terms’.

‘I do not agree with the IOC’s choice, I have not for years,’ Meloni said.

Carini, 25, expressed her devastation after the match, stating, “I’m used to suffering. I’ve never taken a punch like that; it’s impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal. I got into the ring to fight. But I didn’t feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose. I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much, so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”

The controversy deepened due to Khelif’s previous disqualification from last year’s world championships, where she failed testosterone tests designed to establish gender qualification. As Khelif’s hand was raised in victory, Carini’s frustration was palpable. She pulled her hand away from the referee and walked off, later collapsing to her knees and crying.

Carini’s words reflected her deep disappointment and the complexity of the situation. “I entered the ring and told myself I have to give my all, regardless of who was in front of me. And honestly, I don’t care. I said to myself, ‘This is my Olympics.’ Despite all the controversy, I just wanted to carry on and win,” she said. Carini emphasized her determination, influenced by her father’s teachings to be a warrior, even though she couldn’t achieve victory this time.

The Italian boxer’s coach expressed concern over her condition, stating, “I don’t know if her nose is broken. I have to speak with the girl. But many people in Italy tried to call and tell her: ‘Don’t go please; it’s a man, it’s dangerous for you.'”

In the aftermath of the fight, the Algerian Boxing Federation celebrated Khelif’s victory on social media, stating, “Congratulations to the Algerian boxer Iman Khalif, who responds strongly in the ring and qualifies for the quarterfinals, after defeating the Italian Angelina Carini in less than 46 seconds, effortlessly.”

As Khelif exited the ring, she expressed her hope for further success, saying, “God willing, this was the first victory. God is willing me to the golden one.”

The outcome of the match has sparked a wave of backlash, with many prominent figures voicing their concerns. Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss questioned the situation, writing on Twitter, “When will this madness stop? Men cannot become women. Why is the British Government not objecting to this?” British Olympic hero Sharron Davies also criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC), describing their actions as “a bloody disgrace” and calling for an end to such matches.

Author J.K. Rowling joined the chorus of disapproval, referring to the bout as “insanity” and questioning the ethics of allowing such a fight to take place. In a post, she asked, “What will it take to end this insanity? A female boxer left with life-altering injuries? A female boxer killed?”

As the debate continues, the IOC faces intense scrutiny and calls for reevaluation of the rules and regulations surrounding gender and competition in sports. The match between Carini and Khelif has not only highlighted the complexities of the issue but also underscored the emotional and physical toll on the athletes involved.