Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Sport

Italian Boxer Angela Carini Quits Bout Against Algerian Opponent

Algeria's Imane Khelif, left, fights Italy's Angela Carini in their women's 66kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Italian boxer Angela Carini, a 25-year-old welterweight competitor, made headlines at the Paris Olympics with her unexpected exit from the ring just 46 seconds into her bout against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif. Carini, who was aiming to honor her late father and coach, cited pain from Khelif's punches as the reason for her withdrawal, with visible blood on her trunks.

Background and Achievements

Carini, known as the 'tiger,' had a successful boxing career, winning silver medals at the world and European championships in 2019 and a gold medal at the European youth championships. Prior to boxing, she was an Italian champion in clay pigeon shooting before following her brother's footsteps into the ring.

The Controversy

Carini's abrupt decision to quit the fight against Khelif reignited the debate surrounding Khelif's eligibility to compete, as she had previously failed a gender eligibility test. Despite concerns raised by Carini and others, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended Khelif's participation, stating that she met the necessary criteria.

Carini's Emotional Response
Carini cited pain from Khelif's punches as reason for withdrawal.
Angela Carini, 25, welterweight boxer, withdrew 46 seconds into fight against Imane Khelif.
Carini, known as the 'tiger,' had previous boxing success and shooting background.
Controversy arose over Khelif's eligibility after failing gender test.
IOC defended Khelif's participation, stating she met criteria.
Carini tearfully explained her decision, expressing physical discomfort.
She expressed regret for not shaking Khelif's hand after the fight.
Italian Premier addressed the issue with IOC president.

Following the bout, Carini tearfully explained her decision, expressing physical discomfort and pain from Khelif's punches. She emphasized that her actions were not premeditated and expressed regret for not shaking Khelif's hand after the fight. Carini acknowledged the impact of the controversy on her Olympic experience and extended an apology to Khelif and others affected.

The incident involving Carini and Khelif has sparked discussions both within and beyond the Paris Olympics, prompting Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni to address the issue with IOC president Thomas Bach. Despite the outcome of the bout, Carini's sportsmanship and resilience in the face of adversity have garnered attention and respect from the sporting community.

For more updates on the Paris Olympics, visit AP Olympics.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.