Female Boxer Angela Carini Abandons Bout After 46 Seconds in Match Against ‘Biologically Male’ Opponent

A dramatic and contentious moment unfolded at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Thursday when Italian boxer Angela Carini abruptly ended her bout against Algerian Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds.

Carini appeared visibly distressed following a series of powerful punches from Khelif, who had been disqualified from last year’s World Championships for failing gender eligibility tests. The Italian boxer, overwhelmed and in tears, stated that she had never faced such intensity in a fight before.

“I got into the ring to fight. But after the first minute, I started to feel a strong pain in my nose,” Carini explained. “I didn’t give up immediately, but the pain from one punch was too much, so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”

Khelif, who was cleared to compete in the Olympics, was declared the winner by the referee. Despite the ongoing controversy, she expressed her determination to win a gold medal for Algeria.

The incident has reignited the debate over transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. Carini’s coach revealed that many had cautioned her against the match due to concerns about safety.

Both the Italian Boxing Federation and the government have voiced concerns about the fairness of the competition, stressing the need for clear and consistent international standards for gender eligibility in sports.