Olympics women’s boxing drama sparks gender eligibility debate

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has previously failed gender eligibility tests, sparked widespread controversy after defeating Angela Carini in less than a minute at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Carini forfeited the match on Thursday after suffering what appeared to be a broken nose.

Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi after DNA tests showed she had XY chromosomes.

However, the Olympics use a different testing system to the International Boxing Association (IBA) and permitted Khelif to compete.

Carini withdrew after feeling immense pain

The fight between Khalif and Carini lasted only 46 seconds, with the Italian taking some heavy blows from her Algerian opponent.

Carini raised her hand and conceded defeat before falling to her knees crying and leaving the arena without shaking Khelif’s hand.

“I am heartbroken,” Carini revealed after the short but controversial bout.

“I went to the ring to honour my father.

“I was told a lot of times that I was a warrior but I preferred to stop for my health.

“I have never felt a punch like this.

“I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much and so I said enough.”

Even though the fight ended on a sour note, Carini was happy to step into the ring.

“It’s not a defeat for me — for me if you go in the ring, you have already won, regardless of everything else,” the 25-year-old said.

“I’m not here to judge.

“It’s not up to me to say if it’s fair or not fair.

“I’m a mature woman. When I feel I cannot continue, it’s not giving in, it’s having the dignity to say enough.

“I’m going out with my head held high.”

Khelif favourite despite controversy

While her opening bout produced some controversial moments, Khelif is the runaway favourite to win gold in the women’s 66kg boxing discipline.

Boxing bookmakers have Khelif at -333.33 to win the event.

After beating Carini, the Algerian had a brief conversation with the BBC.

“I am here for gold,” she said.

“I will fight anybody, I will fight them all.”

Turkish boxer Busenaz Sürmeneli is Khelif’s closest competitor for gold, paying +350.

Sürmeneli, who won the gold in Tokyo, started her campaign strong with a dominant win against Aneta Rygielska.

The 26-year-old also won the European Amateur Boxing Championships earlier this year.

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