Imane Khelif of Algeria defeated Italian boxer Angela Carini in a controversial Olympic fight on Thursday, August 1, at the North Paris Arena.
According to The Guardian, Carini broke down in tears after quitting the fight only in 46 seconds, saying, “I had to preserve my life.’
Khelif is one of two fighters who were allowed to participate in the Paris Olympics despite their disqualification from last year’s women’s world championship after failing a gender eligibility test.
The Algerian boxer’s fist punch dislodged the 25-year-old’s chinstrap, while the second and final punch of the fight smashed against her chin and left her bloodied.
The Italian fighter was seen sobbing after she abandoned the fight. She even refused to shake hands with Khelif after she was declared the winner.
Emotional Carini said after the match, “I am heartbroken. I went to the ring to honour my father. I was told a lot of times that I was a warrior, but I preferred to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this.”
She recalled, “I got into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much, so I said enough. I’m going out with my head held high. After the second punch, after years of experience, I felt a strong pain in the nose.”
“I said enough because I didn’t want. I couldn’t finish the fight after the punch to the nose. So it was better to put an end to it. I am in pieces because I am a fighter, they taught me to be a warrior. I have always tried to behave with honour, I have always represented my country with loyalty. This time I didn’t manage to because I couldn’t fight anymore,” Carini added.
Additionally, Khelif’s gender identity has sparked controversy among the people. Prominent figures including Donald, Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have criticised Imane Khelif.
