Italian Boxer Angela Carini Abandons Bout Over Gender Dispute
Less than a minute into her bout against an Algerian boxer barred from the 2023 world championships after failing a gender test, Italian boxer Angela Carini pulled out of her bout with Khelif after 46 seconds.
The highly contentious Olympic boxing match between Algeria's Imane Khelif and Italy's Angela Carini came to an abrupt end after just 46 seconds when Carini abandoned the fight.
The withdrawal comes amid an ongoing row over the Algerian's eligibility for the Games. The International Boxing Association (AIBA) had initially barred Khelif from competing after she failed a gender test, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the ban, allowing her to participate in the Olympics.
Carini's decision to abandon the bout has sparked outrage and debate within the boxing community. Some have praised her for taking a stand against the AIBA's handling of the gender issue, while others have criticized her for withdrawing from a fair fight.
The AIBA has since released a statement saying that it "respects the decision of the CAS" and that it is "committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive environment for all boxers." The organization also said that it is "reviewing its gender verification process" and that it will "continue to work with the boxing community to develop a process that is fair and respectful to all athletes."
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