Italian Boxer Angela Carini Abandons Bout Amidst Gender Eligibility Controversy
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Italian boxer Angela Carini made a shocking decision to abandon her bout against Algerian Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds. The incident has sparked a major debate in the boxing community, as Khelif was previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championship due to failing an unspecified gender eligibility test.
Carini’s decision to walk out of the ring left her in tears. She had taken a few punches from Khelif, who had been cleared to compete in Paris despite her previous disqualification. Carini’s headgear was dislodged at least once before she decided to end the fight.
After the bout, Carini revealed that she had suffered a suspected broken nose and felt intense pain. “I felt a severe pain in my nose, and with the maturity of a boxer, I said ‘enough,’ because I didn’t want to, I couldn’t finish the match,” she said.
Khelif’s presence at the Olympics has raised questions about the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility criteria. The IBA has not disclosed the specific reasons for Khelif’s disqualification from the 2023 World Championship, leading to speculation and concerns about the fairness of the process.
Carini’s decision to abandon the bout has also highlighted the challenges faced by female boxers in a sport that has historically been dominated by men. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for greater transparency and inclusivity in boxing.
