Controversial Olympic Bout: Italian Boxer Abandons Fight Against Algerian Opponent Over Safety Concerns
In one of the most controversial episodes in Olympic history, Italy’s Angela Carini was forced to abandon a boxing match after only 46 seconds, fearing for her life against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who had failed two gender tests. Carini claimed she "couldn't breathe any more" after being hit so hard.
The bout, already steeped in controversy, placed the International Olympic Committee under intense scrutiny for allowing a woman to fight without clarity on the gender of her opponent. Carini stated that she had never experienced such powerful punches in her career.
Khelif, who was disqualified from last year’s World Championships due to elevated testosterone levels, delivered a punch that dislodged Carini’s chinstrap, followed by a second blow that caused her nose to bleed and spattered blood on her shorts. Carini, possibly with a broken nose, fell to the canvas.
In an emotional post-fight interview, Carini said, “I am heartbroken. I went into the ring to honor my father. I was told many times that I was a warrior, but I preferred to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this. After the second blow to the nose, I couldn’t breathe anymore. I went to my coach and said ‘enough’ because it takes maturity and courage to stop.”
Khelif briefly addressed the media, declaring, “I am here for gold. I’ll fight anyone,” contrasting sharply with Carini's devastation. Carini added, “I felt a strong pain in my nose and decided to stop. I hope my nation and my dad won’t take it badly. It could have been the match of a lifetime, but I had to preserve my life.”
The International Boxing Association had banned Khelif from a gold-medal bout in Delhi due to her elevated testosterone levels, yet she was still allowed to compete in the Olympics by the IOC. The difference in punching power was apparent, leading Carini to signal she couldn’t continue. According to Italian media, she said to her corner, “It’s not fair.”
Carini’s coach, Emanuele Renzini, emphasized that the decision to quit was not premeditated. “It would have been easier not to show up because all of Italy had been asking her not to fight for days,” he said. “But Angela was motivated and wanted to do it. When she met her opponent at the draw, she said, ‘It’s not fair.’ But there was no premeditation today. She quit after taking one punch and told me she didn’t feel she could fight. I tried to tell her to get to the end of the first round, but she wouldn’t.”
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