Angela Carini Quits Olympic Boxing Match After 46 Seconds

Italian Boxer Withdraws Amidst Controversy Over Opponent's Gender

Paris

Italian boxer Angela Carini has stunned the Olympic community by withdrawing from her boxing match against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the bout. The incident has sparked controversy, as Khelif had been barred from the 2023 world championships after failing a gender verification test.

Carini, born October 6, 1998, had a distinguished career as a boxer. She won a medal at the 2019 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships. However, her Olympic dreams were cut short when she discovered that in boxing, "the punches must not only be given, but also received." Carini has since retired from the sport.

Carini's withdrawal has raised questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the Olympic Games. Critics argue that the gender verification process is discriminatory and that transgender athletes should be allowed to compete without restrictions. The International Boxing Association (IBA) has defended its decision to bar Khelif, citing concerns about her eligibility and the safety of female boxers.

The controversy surrounding this incident is likely to continue as the Olympic Games progress. It highlights the complexities of gender identity and the challenges faced by transgender athletes in achieving equality in sports.