Olympic Boxer Walks Out Of Ring After Just 46 Seconds Against Rival Who Had Failed Gender Test

Italian boxer Angela Carini unexpectedly left the ring at the Olympic Games, just 46 seconds into her match against Algeria's Imane Khelif.

Khelif was promptly declared the winner when Carini exited the bout after receiving two punches from her opponent. 

Carini briefly raised her hand and had her gear checked by her corner team before re-entering the fight. 

However, after taking another hit from Khelif, she decided to raise her glove again and withdrew from the competition.

The fight was over after 46 seconds. MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images

Following the match, the Algerian boxer approached Carini to offer a hug, but her gesture was not reciprocated.

The situation surrounding Khelif has been fraught with controversy, especially since she was one of two boxers at the Olympics who had previously failed gender eligibility tests at the 2023 World Championships.

Both Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu‑ting were disqualified from last year's competition after the International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev stated they "proved they had XY chromosomes and were thus excluded." 

It's important to note that the IBA does not govern boxing at the Paris Olympics, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed both boxers to compete.

The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has strongly criticized what it describes as 'baseless' attacks on Khelif. 

Prior to her bout with Carini, the BBC reported that the COA said:

"COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets.

Imane Khelif was named the winner of her bout after her opponent withdrew. MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images

"Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics.

"The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion."

Khelif, who also competed in the Tokyo Olympics, is confirmed by the IOC to meet all eligibility and entry regulations for the competition.

She had previously won a silver medal at the IBA 2022 World Boxing Championships and has participated in various other women's boxing events without issues.

After the 2023 World Championships, Khelif told The Guardian about a 'big conspiracy' against her, saying:

"People have conspired against Algeria so that its flag doesn't get raised and it doesn't win the gold medal."

As a UNICEF ambassador, Khelif has openly discussed how she took up boxing despite initial opposition from her father to girls participating in the sport.

Over time, her parents became her 'biggest fans.' 

The Italian boxer appeared to be in tears after the bout Richard Pelham / Getty Images

She expressed her gratitude and motivation in a statement, writing: "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. 

"My dream is to win a gold medal. If I win, mothers and fathers can see how far their children can go. 

"I particularly want to inspire girls and children who are disadvantaged in Algeria."