Angela Carini Apologizes to Imane Khelif Following Olympic Boxing Controversy

Angela Carini has issued an apology to Imane Khelif following the controversial end to their Olympic boxing match on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

The 25-year-old Italian boxer abandoned her fight against Khelif after just 46 seconds, having taken a heavy punch to the face from the Algerian in the opening exchanges.

Carini was heard telling her coach, “it’s not fair” and “it hurts like hell” before the fight was called off and Khelif was announced as the winner.

Distraught, Carini opted not to follow tradition by refusing to shake Khelif’s hand after the referee declared her the victor.

This act added to the controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in the Olympics, given her previous disqualification from the final of the Women’s World Championships last year for failing International Boxing Association (IBA) eligibility rules, which prevent athletes with XY chromosomes from participating in women’s events.

Khelif, who competed at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, was cleared to participate in her second Games in Paris, as the competition is run by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IOC has since expressed that it is “saddened by the abuse” Khelif has received.

Carini expressed her regret over the incident and extended an apology to Khelif. “All this controversy makes me sad,” Carini told the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

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

Addressing her decision not to shake Khelif’s hand after the bout, Carini explained, “It wasn’t something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke. I don’t have anything against Khelif. Actually, if I were to meet her again, I would embrace her.”