Female Boxer Quits Olympic Fight Against Transgender Man After One Punch
A highly contested Olympic boxing match saw Italian boxer Angela Carini abandon her fight against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds.
Carini was visibly distressed after receiving only two punches from Khelif, who has previously been disqualified from a major boxing competition due to failing testosterone tests. The Italian threw her helmet to the ground in frustration and refused a post-match handshake before breaking down in tears.
Everyone understood how Italian boxing staged this drama with just two punches… and even the Italians admit it… All parties attacking boxer Iman Khalif with racist and bullying language… their only goal is to frustrate the champion. pic.twitter.com/7fcIbiE8MC
— Mohamed (@Mdhamidi1987) August 1, 2024
Khelif, despite the controversy surrounding her eligibility, was declared the winner by the referee. However, Carini maintained that her decision to quit was not a protest against her opponent but rather a result of the physical pain she experienced.
The Italian boxer described the blows she received as unlike anything she had encountered before and expressed her disappointment at being unable to continue the fight. She emphasized her warrior spirit and competitive nature but acknowledged that the pain was too severe to allow her to carry on.
Carini’s coach expressed concern over her facial injuries, particularly a bruised nose. Meanwhile, the Algerian Boxing Federation celebrated Khelif’s victory on social media.
The match has ignited a wider debate about fairness and eligibility in women’s sports, with many questioning the inclusion of athletes with male biological characteristics in female competitions.
