Credit: X
Angela Carini, the Italian women’s boxer, abandoned the fight in the welterweight division at the Paris Olympics 2024 in just 46 seconds against Algerian Imane Khelif, breaking down in tears afterwards. At the North Paris Arena, she was hurt badly in the initial stages of the round of 16 match, getting her headgear dislodged before suffering a suspected broken nose.
The inclusion of Imane Khelif at the Paris 2024 despite the failed testosterone and gender eligibility tests sparked a big controversy in the world of sport and beyond. She was one of the two boxers allowed to compete at the Olympics despite being disqualified from the World Championships last year due to a failed sex test.
After Imane Khelif was declared the winner of the round of 16 match, Angela Carini refused to shake the hands of the Algerian. Following this, she went on to cry inside the squared circle on her knees.
In the post-match interview, Angela Carini spoke about being heartbroken at the sudden turn of events inside the North Paris Arena. She was quoted as saying, “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.”
“I got into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I’m going out with my head held high,” the 25-year-old added.
Angela Carini also alluded to the strong pain in the nose after a vicious punch from Imane Khelif and said, “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.”
