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Boxer Who Abandoned Fight After 46 Seconds Apologizes To Rival After Gender Controversy
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Boxer Who Abandoned Fight After 46 Seconds Apologizes To Rival After Gender Controversy

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Angela Carini, the Italian boxer who walked out of her 2024 Paris Olympic fight against Team Algeria’s Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds, said that she wanted to apologize. Angela went from refusing to shake Imane’s hand in the ring to stating how “sad” she felt over the intrusive gender misinformation surrounding her opponent. 

Highlights
  • Angela Carini walked out of her 2024 Paris Olympic fight against Imane Khelif after 46 seconds.
  • Angela expressed regret over the gender controversy surrounding Imane and apologized for not shaking hands.
  • The IOC confirmed that Imane complies with entry regulations and condemned misinformation about her.
  • The IBA previously disqualified Imane for elevated testosterone levels, a decision criticized by the IOC.
  • Imane, a cisgender woman, faced notable transphobic backlash but was supported by the IOC to compete.

“All this controversy makes me sad,” the 25-year-old athlete told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, as per the BBC on Friday (August 2).

Angela continued: “I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”

The IOC is the International Olympic Committee.

Angela Carini is an Italian boxer who walked out of her 2024 Paris Olympic fight against Team Algeria’s Imane Khelif 

Image credits: angela.carini_tiger

The Italian boxer further said that abandoning the fight had been a mature step to take, but she expressed regret at not shaking hands with Imane afterward.

“It wasn’t something I intended to do,” Angela said. “Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”

The athlete reportedly added that if she met Imane again, she would “embrace her.”

Imane complies with entry regulations set by various ruling entities, the Olympic committee clarified on Thursday (August 1).

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Image credits: Eurosport

The new elucidation follows the dangerous misinformation that has been circulating about the athlete amid Angela Carini abandoning facing Imane just 46 seconds into their fight.

“Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination,” the Olympic committee asserted in an official statement released on Thursday (August 1).

Misinformation about Imane’s gender identity quickly spread and was consequently used on social media by notable transphobic figures, like J.K. Rowling, following the fight that took place on Thursday.

Attention was particularly given to the International Boxing Association (IBA)’s previous disqualification of Imane due to “elevated testosterone.”

Angela walked out of her fight after just 46 seconds

Image credits: Eurosport

Nevertheless, the IOC clarified that the IBA’s decision was sudden and lacked proper procedure. Moreover, the IOC suspended the IBA in 2019 due to concerns about governance, corruption, and financial mismanagement.

Controversy erupted on Thursday after Italy’s Angela Carini quit just 46 seconds into her round-of-16 bout with Imane after the Algerian landed the first clean punch of the fight.

Angela immediately turned to her team and opted against continuing, and the Italian soon collapsed to her knees in tears.

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Angela could reportedly be heard telling her coach, “It’s not right, it’s not right,” and she later told reporters that she had never been hit so hard in her career.

Image credits: Eurosport

Angela subsequently refused to shake Imane’s hand after she was announced as the winner in Paris.

In the wake of the fight quickly turning viral on social media, with notable transphobic figures also commenting on the situation, the IOC also defended Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting.

Imane and Lin were both cleared to compete in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics but faced bigoted backlash after being stripped of titles and disqualified from the IBA.

The IBA stripped Lin of her World Championships bronze medal in the March 2023 event after failing a gender eligibility test, and it also disqualified Imane in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.

At the time of forfeiting the fight, Angela claimed unfairness. She has now said she wants to apologize to Imane

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Image credits: DD_Geopolitics

No further details were given on why the boxers were disqualified from last year’s World Championships.

Both athletes competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021, and Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women’s Amateur Boxing Championships.

“The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years,” the IOC said in their statement.

The IOC further stated it was “saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.”

Imane was born a biological female and has never identified as anything other than a cisgender woman.

Image credits: Eurosport

She grew up in a rural village in Tiaret in western Algeria, where she was introduced to boxing after being forced to defend herself against boys picking fights with her, UNICEF reported in March 2024.

The athlete struggled financially, and training for boxing came as a challenge, as she was unable to ask her father, who, besides being away working in the Sahara desert as a welder, did not approve of boxing for girls, UNICEF wrote.

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Upon being honored as a UNICEF national ambassador, Imane stated: “I am deeply honored to be an ambassador for UNICEF.

“My message to young people is to follow your dreams.

“Don’t let obstacles come in your way, resist any obstacles and overcome them.”

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Andréa Oldereide

Andréa Oldereide

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Andréa Oldereide

Andréa Oldereide

Writer, BoredPanda staff

I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

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Karina Babenok

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As a visual editor in the News team, I look for the most interesting pictures and comments to make each post interesting and informative through images, so that you aren't reading only blocks of text. I joined Bored Panda not that long ago, but in this short amount of time I have covered a wide range of topics: from true crime to Taylor Swift memes (my search history is very questionable because of that).In my freetime, I enjoy spending time at the gym, gaming, binging Great British Bake Off and adding yet another tattoo artist that I would love to get a tattoo from to my pinterest board.

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Karina Babenok

Karina Babenok

Author, BoredPanda staff

As a visual editor in the News team, I look for the most interesting pictures and comments to make each post interesting and informative through images, so that you aren't reading only blocks of text. I joined Bored Panda not that long ago, but in this short amount of time I have covered a wide range of topics: from true crime to Taylor Swift memes (my search history is very questionable because of that).In my freetime, I enjoy spending time at the gym, gaming, binging Great British Bake Off and adding yet another tattoo artist that I would love to get a tattoo from to my pinterest board.

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Alex Mosby
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Khelif is not trans. Period. Intersex? Maybe she has XY chromosomes. She was born with female outward anatomy. She's simply not trans.

Zed Muk
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's even from a country where it's illegal to be trans. There is no way her country would allow her to compete if they were in any doubt she was female.

Load More Replies...
Upstaged75
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

JK Rowling just needs to shut the hell up. Go back to writing magic books lady!

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

JK Rowling needs to shut the hell up. She’s a bitter transphobe who spews vitriol. Also, Khelif is not trans for the thousandth time! Angela should be ashamed and embarrassed by her unprofessional behavior and lack of sportsmanship.

Rayne OfSalt
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's only one trans athlete competing at the olympics, a male boxer. None of you transphobic chumps seem to have a problem with him. Wonder why.

WubiDubi
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone has every hormone in differing levels. Sounds more like genetics than anything else. Were multiple tests done, what is the history of her levels? Hysteria is very popular, including on BP.

Nick Scott
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who got their panties in a bunch about this are weird. Talking to you, JD

R Dennis
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots of right wing bigots spewed a lot of hate. They will all now pretend they didn't or double down.

Guess Undheit
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "iba" is a discredited and corrupt Russian organization, NOT affiliated with the olympics. Khelif passed the olympic test standards, which is all that's required. Anyone quoting the "iba" is at best cherry picking and more likely a TERF or related anti-Trans bigot.

UKGrandad
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Russian? It's an international organisation with its headquarters in Switzerland. "The International Boxing Association (IBA), previously known as the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), is an international sports organization that sanctions amateur (Olympic-style) boxing matches and awards world and subordinate championships. IBA consists of five continental confederations: AFBC, AMBC, ASBC, EUBC, and OCBC. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Boxing_Association

Load More Replies...
RS
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sucks she has to apologize for transphobes jumping on this ):

Vicki Parslow Stafford
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carini was outboxed. Retiring rather than risk serious injury was a sensible choice.

C.O. Shea
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Italian boxer upon never having been hit so hard in her life... uuuuhhh, because you're now fighting the elite 1% of your sport, you insufferable, whiny-ássed coward. What a chump move. Go have lunch with JK... you deserve each other.

Paula Robinson
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shawn Thomas Died of head injuries. Jacob Morake Died of head injuries. Gerardo DerbezKnocked out and fell into a coma; died from brain injuries. Steve Watt Died of brain injuries. Boxing deaths she had the sense to stop brave woman knowing she would face idiot`s comments.

Load More Replies...
S Muirhead
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She could have handled it differently? Hmmmmm, opt out or be bludgeoned by a dude. I believe she was heard saying she’s never been hit so hard in all her yrs boxing. How differently could she have handled it and I presume the 43% would stay in the fight knowing your opponent could kill you with one punch……..sure. What a bunch of lying p*ssies

Vivi Pettiss
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...alright, read the article again, slowly this time. No worries, I know it can be hard to focus when angry, but please just read the article...

Load More Replies...
Isa
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is that she has never been hit so hard in her life (ever)-Angela

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh good grief, she's boxing the best boxers IN THE WORLD! What the hell does she expect in Olympic boxing? Does she expect her opponents to go soft on her? Iman is a woman. How damn hard is that for people to grasp?

Load More Replies...
Socks Thecate
Community Member
3 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

What did she apologize for? People on X not being able to behave themselves?

Aaron Parker
Community Member
3 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Is being an Olympic boxer worth being so unattractive? 🤔

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe you should take a long look in the mirror Aaron, because you know who’s unattractive. Men who make fun of women are the most unattractive men in the world. 🤡 why don’t you post a photo of yourself so we can all judge you? Would you like that?

Load More Replies...
Petra D.
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not? People with SOP, diabetes, hyperandrogenism, ovary faillure, hypophisis tumor, early menopause and a couple other syndroms might have elevated testosterone levels and are still woman.

Load More Replies...
Alex Mosby
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Khelif is not trans. Period. Intersex? Maybe she has XY chromosomes. She was born with female outward anatomy. She's simply not trans.

Zed Muk
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's even from a country where it's illegal to be trans. There is no way her country would allow her to compete if they were in any doubt she was female.

Load More Replies...
Upstaged75
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

JK Rowling just needs to shut the hell up. Go back to writing magic books lady!

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

JK Rowling needs to shut the hell up. She’s a bitter transphobe who spews vitriol. Also, Khelif is not trans for the thousandth time! Angela should be ashamed and embarrassed by her unprofessional behavior and lack of sportsmanship.

Rayne OfSalt
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's only one trans athlete competing at the olympics, a male boxer. None of you transphobic chumps seem to have a problem with him. Wonder why.

WubiDubi
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone has every hormone in differing levels. Sounds more like genetics than anything else. Were multiple tests done, what is the history of her levels? Hysteria is very popular, including on BP.

Nick Scott
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who got their panties in a bunch about this are weird. Talking to you, JD

R Dennis
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots of right wing bigots spewed a lot of hate. They will all now pretend they didn't or double down.

Guess Undheit
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "iba" is a discredited and corrupt Russian organization, NOT affiliated with the olympics. Khelif passed the olympic test standards, which is all that's required. Anyone quoting the "iba" is at best cherry picking and more likely a TERF or related anti-Trans bigot.

UKGrandad
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Russian? It's an international organisation with its headquarters in Switzerland. "The International Boxing Association (IBA), previously known as the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), is an international sports organization that sanctions amateur (Olympic-style) boxing matches and awards world and subordinate championships. IBA consists of five continental confederations: AFBC, AMBC, ASBC, EUBC, and OCBC. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Boxing_Association

Load More Replies...
RS
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sucks she has to apologize for transphobes jumping on this ):

Vicki Parslow Stafford
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carini was outboxed. Retiring rather than risk serious injury was a sensible choice.

C.O. Shea
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Italian boxer upon never having been hit so hard in her life... uuuuhhh, because you're now fighting the elite 1% of your sport, you insufferable, whiny-ássed coward. What a chump move. Go have lunch with JK... you deserve each other.

Paula Robinson
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shawn Thomas Died of head injuries. Jacob Morake Died of head injuries. Gerardo DerbezKnocked out and fell into a coma; died from brain injuries. Steve Watt Died of brain injuries. Boxing deaths she had the sense to stop brave woman knowing she would face idiot`s comments.

Load More Replies...
S Muirhead
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She could have handled it differently? Hmmmmm, opt out or be bludgeoned by a dude. I believe she was heard saying she’s never been hit so hard in all her yrs boxing. How differently could she have handled it and I presume the 43% would stay in the fight knowing your opponent could kill you with one punch……..sure. What a bunch of lying p*ssies

Vivi Pettiss
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...alright, read the article again, slowly this time. No worries, I know it can be hard to focus when angry, but please just read the article...

Load More Replies...
Isa
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is that she has never been hit so hard in her life (ever)-Angela

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh good grief, she's boxing the best boxers IN THE WORLD! What the hell does she expect in Olympic boxing? Does she expect her opponents to go soft on her? Iman is a woman. How damn hard is that for people to grasp?

Load More Replies...
Socks Thecate
Community Member
3 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

What did she apologize for? People on X not being able to behave themselves?

Aaron Parker
Community Member
3 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Is being an Olympic boxer worth being so unattractive? 🤔

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe you should take a long look in the mirror Aaron, because you know who’s unattractive. Men who make fun of women are the most unattractive men in the world. 🤡 why don’t you post a photo of yourself so we can all judge you? Would you like that?

Load More Replies...
Petra D.
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not? People with SOP, diabetes, hyperandrogenism, ovary faillure, hypophisis tumor, early menopause and a couple other syndroms might have elevated testosterone levels and are still woman.

Load More Replies...
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