"All this controversy makes me sad, I was angry"- Angela Carini regrets actions that led to Imane Khelif copping unearned criticism at Paris Olympics

Modified Aug 02, 2024 20:07 GMT

Italian boxer Angela Carini has said she wants to apologize to Algerian boxer Imane Khalif following their controversial bout at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khelif was suspended by the IBA (International Boxing Association) last year over a failed gender test but was subsequently cleared by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to compete in Paris.

Carini took a punch to her face 30 seconds into the fight with Khelif and went to her corner to get her headgear fixed. While she returned to fight back, the Italian boxer went back to her corner shortly after, and the fight was called off at 46 seconds.

Following Carini's withdrawal, the win was handed to the Algerian boxer. Although Khelif did try to shake hands, the Italian boxer ignored her and was later spotted sobbing inside the ring.

Both Khelif and the IOC received severe criticism as the video of the fight went viral, which led to the Olympic organization clarifying that the Algerian boxer was a female by birth.

Speaking in an interview with the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Angela Carini has now expressed a desire to apologize to Khelif. Carini also said she respected the decision of the IOC.

"All this controversy makes me sad," Carini told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision," she added.

She also spoke about not shaking hands with Khelif after the fight ended, and added that she would embrace her if they ever met again.

"It wasn't something I intended to do," Carini said. "Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke."

What did Angela Carini and Imane Khelif say after the fight?

IBA Women's World Boxing Championships Istanbul 2022 âââââââ - Source: Getty

Following Angela Carini’s withdrawal, she told reporters that she had never been hit so badly in her life. The Italian boxer also said that while she wasn't afraid of taking blows, she couldn't continue anymore.

However, she went on to add that she wanted Imane Khelif to carry on until the end and be happy.

"I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy," she told BBC. "I am someone who doesn't judge anyone. I am not here to give judgements."

When Khelif was asked for her comments following the fight, she said that she was ready to fight anybody for the gold medal.

"I'm here for the gold - I fight everybody," the Algerian said.