Italian boxer Angela Carini lost her round against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif in a highly contentious incident during the Olympics. She started crying at 46 seconds into the contest.
Khelif caused a stir last year when she was one of two boxers dismissed from the women’s world championships for violating gender eligibility tests. Yet she was permitted to fight at the Olympics. The tension surrounding the fight was highlighted by Carini’s emotional response, which contributed to the current discussion about gender eligibility in sports.
Khelif’s first punch pulled Carini’s chinstrap in an intense incident at the north Paris arena. Her chin was smacked again, causing her to bleed. Carini, who had taken several blows, returned to her corner, raised her hand, broke down in tears, and would not even shake hands with Khelif when the Algerian was pronounced the winner.
Carini stated; “To pay tribute to my father, I entered the ring. I was often called a warrior, but I would rather give up for my well-being. This punch is unlike any I have ever felt.”
A tough choice made by a Naples fighter in the ring
The Naples native, determined not to give up, came into the ring, prepared to fight. But after taking a particularly severe blow, she decided to quit, making sure to walk out with a proud smile.
Even though she was an experienced fighter, the second blow caused excruciating pain in her nose, forcing her to decide to quit the fight.
“I am in pieces because I was trained to be a fighter by them. I have consistently endeavored to conduct myself with integrity and have faithfully represented my nation,” she said.
“I was unable to fight this time, so I was unsuccessful. Whatever the person in front of me could be, or how much the row might intrigue me, all I wanted was to win. I desired to confront the guy in front of me and engage in combat.”