- 46 seconds to win: swirl around high testosterone boxer
After the stir caused by her Olympic eligibility, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won her round of 16 match at the Summer Games in just 46 seconds. Her Italian opponent Angela Carini complained of nose pain after a few punches and threw in the towel. The customary handshake after the bout was not exchanged.
Khelif's participation in the Paris Games had sparked controversy due to her disqualification at last year's World Championships for elevated levels of the male sexual hormone testosterone. This time, however, she is allowed to compete for medals.
"This fight was unfair" – Italy's coach criticizes Olympic inclusion of boxer with high testosterone levels
Carini's coach Emanuele Renzini reacted: "I don't want to judge for the IOC, and I know the topic is complex, but this fight was unfair." The International Olympic Committee had cleared Khelif for Paris.
After her defeat, Carini knelt crying in the ring. Even minutes later, she was overcome by emotions during numerous interviews. "I stepped into the ring to give my all. The person in front of me doesn't matter at that moment. The pain in my nose was too strong. I couldn't breathe," Carini reported.
Another boxer was disqualified at the WM
Last year's WM was organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which is no longer recognized by the IOC. Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who won bronze at the WM, was also disqualified retroactively but is allowed to compete at the Olympics. She will box against Uzbekistan's Sitori Turdibekova in the featherweight category on Friday. Both Yu-ting and Khelif were also present at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
IOC defends inclusion
IOC spokesman Mark Adams defended the inclusion of the two boxers. "We're talking about people, human lives. They've competed in women's competitions, they've won against women, and they've lost to women over the years," Adams said.
The Algerian Olympic Committee condemned the criticism from many boxing fans, especially on social media. "These slander attempts based on lies are completely unfair, especially at this crucial moment when she is preparing for the Olympics, the peak of her career," a statement read. "We are all behind you, Imane. The entire nation is behind you and proud of your achievements."
The International Olympic Committee had granted Imane Khelif's approval to compete in Paris, overturning her disqualification at last year's World Championships. Despite the controversy, Carini's coach Emanuele Renzini expressed his concerns, stating, "This fight was unfair."
