Imane Khelif Wins Controversial Olympic Boxing Match After Opponent Quits

In a surprising turn at the Olympic boxing matches in Villepinte, France, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif scored a quick victory when her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, decided to quit after just 46 seconds of the bout. This unusual early exit left spectators scratching their heads and raised several eyebrows.

The bout was overshadowed by Khelif’s recent history, which recently saw her disqualified from a major boxing event due to concerns over gender eligibility. This past scrutiny has turned her participation in the Olympics into a heated debate.

As the match began, Carini and Khelif exchanged a few swift punches, but Carini abruptly walked away. She later explained that her decision was prompted by severe pain in her nose, rather than any statements regarding Khelif’s eligibility to compete.

After leaving the ring, Carini confessed, “I felt a severe pain in my nose, and with the maturity of a boxer, I said ‘enough.’” Despite her disappointment, she emphasized that her decision should not be about controversy, insisting, “If an athlete is this way, it’s not up to me to decide.”

The 25-year-old Khelif is a seasoned athlete, having claimed a silver medal in the 2022 World Championships. However, her journey has been contentious. The International Boxing Association had disqualified her from a tournament last year due to elevated testosterone levels, raising questions about her participation.

After the fight, Khelif prepared for her quarterfinal match against Anna Luca Hamori from Hungary, who has also competed in Olympic boxing. Hamori expressed confidence, saying she wasn’t worried about the media attention surrounding Khelif. “I don’t care about the press story and social media,” she stated. “I just want to stay focused on myself.”

Carini’s coach confirmed the Italian boxer was determined to fight until the last minute but ultimately made a choice based on her physical condition. “I am heartbroken because I am a fighter,” Carini said, voicing her frustration over not being able to complete the match.

The Italian Premier, Giorgia Meloni, voiced her concerns about gender policies in sports, criticizing the decision to allow Khelif to compete. She expressed that the focus should be on maintaining a fair playing field for female athletes.

In the backdrop of the competition, Khelif and another boxer, Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan, are facing intense scrutiny as both have been involved in gender-related controversies. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee has supported their eligibility, stating that both women have been in compliance with necessary regulations.

As the Olympic Games continue, all eyes will be on Khelif as she navigates her way through these challenges, with supporters and critics alike watching her next steps in the ring.