Gifted Markson
In a dramatic turn of events, Italian boxer Angela Carini stunned the audience by walking out of the ring just 46 seconds into her bout against Algeria’s Imane Khelif.
The fight, held in Paris, was abruptly called off after Khelif landed two powerful hits that knocked Carini’s chin strap loose.
An emotional Carini slammed her headgear and shouted, “This is unjust,” as she exited the ring.
Speaking to reporters through tears, Carini expressed her frustration and pain.
“I’m used to suffering. I’ve never taken a punch like that; it’s impossible to continue. I’m nobody to say it’s illegal,” she said.
“I got into the ring to fight, but I didn’t feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose. I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”
Carini’s coach has suggested that she might have sustained a broken nose, adding to the gravity of the situation.
The controversy surrounding Khelif, who has previously failed multiple gender eligibility tests, further complicates the narrative, making this a particularly charged moment in the sport.
The boxing community now faces questions about athlete safety and the integrity of the sport’s regulatory processes.