In an unprecedented response to a heated gender eligibility controversy, the International Boxing Association (IBA) has pledged to award prize money to Italy’s Angela Carini. Carini’s recent defeat at the Paris Olympics has not only drawn emotional reactions but has also become the epicenter of a broader dispute concerning gender criteria in the sport.
Carini’s bout against Algeria’s Imane Khelif ended abruptly after just 46 seconds, with Carini being defeated following two strong punches to the face. The Italian boxer, visibly distraught, refused to shake hands with Khelif and collapsed on the canvas in tears. This dramatic finish sparked widespread discussion, particularly in light of the ongoing debate over Khelif’s eligibility.
The controversy traces back to the IBA’s disqualification of Khelif from last year’s world championships due to unspecified issues regarding gender eligibility. Despite this, Khelif has been competing in women’s boxing for years and was cleared to fight in the Paris Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which bases eligibility on the gender stated in an athlete’s passport.
The IBA’s decision to award Carini prize money, equivalent to that given to Olympic champions, reflects an effort to address the fallout from the contentious match and support the athlete affected by the dispute. The prize money totals $100,000, with $25,000 designated for Carini’s national federation and an additional $25,000 for her coach. However, the exact amount Carini will receive has yet to be confirmed by the IBA.
IBA President Umar Kremlev expressed deep sympathy for Carini’s situation, stating, “I couldn’t look at her tears. I’m not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer. I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing.” Kremlev’s remarks underscore the association’s commitment to the well-being of athletes amidst regulatory challenges.
Carini has publicly apologized for her actions post-fight, expressing regret for not congratulating her opponent. “All the controversy made me sad and I’m sorry for my opponent too,” Carini told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “It’s nothing to do with her. She was here like me to fight. I was angry because my Olympics had just gone up in smoke but I’ve nothing against Imane Khelif. On the contrary, if I saw her again, I’d give her a hug.”
As Khelif prepares for her next bout against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the women’s 66kg quarter-final, the ongoing debate over gender eligibility continues to loom large. A victory in this match would guarantee Khelif a medal, adding further complexity to the situation and intensifying scrutiny on boxing’s governing bodies.
The resolution of this controversy is poised to impact the sport significantly, particularly regarding how gender eligibility is managed and how such disputes are resolved in the future. As boxing grapples with these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring fairness and safeguarding the welfare of all athletes involved.
