In a dramatic turn of events at the recent boxing match, Italian boxer Angela Carini made headlines by abandoning her bout against Algeria’s Imane Khelif just 46 seconds in. Carini now expresses regret for her post-fight behavior and wishes to apologize.
In an interview with Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, Carini conveyed her remorse for not shaking Khelif’s hand before leaving the ring on Thursday. “It wasn’t something I intended to do,” Carini admitted, according to the AP. “Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”
Carini’s emotional reaction stemmed from the realization that her Olympic dreams were shattered. Despite the heat of the moment, she expressed a desire to meet Khelif again and offer an embrace as a gesture of goodwill.
Khelif’s eligibility has been a contentious issue within the boxing community. Along with another boxer, Khelif was banned from the 2023 world championships by the Russia-led International Boxing Association (IBA) due to failing unspecified gender eligibility tests. IBA president Umar Kremlev stated that the disqualifications were because “it was proven they have XY chromosomes.”
Despite the controversy, the International Olympic Committee has permitted both Khelif and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-ting to compete in the Paris Olympics. The IOC acknowledged that both boxers possess passports indicating their female gender and have long competed in international women’s boxing without prior issues.
The debate over Khelif’s eligibility intensified following her overpowering victory against Carini. Carini tearfully explained that Khelif’s punches were the strongest she had ever faced, with one blow to the nose causing such severe pain that she could not continue the match.
As the sports world continues to navigate the complexities of gender eligibility, Carini’s apology highlights the emotional and personal stakes involved for the athletes.
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