Italian boxer Angela Carini expressed regret for giving the cold shoulder to Algerian opponent Imane Khelif after their match amidst an ongoing gender controversy. Khelif became the subject of scrutiny after claims she failed gender eligibility tests, sparking heated debate.
" close Video Fox News Flash top sports headlines for August 2 Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. Having trouble? Click here. Italian boxer Angela Carini spoke out Friday about her match against Algerian Imane Khelif, who is one of two people involved in a gender controversy at the Paris Olympics.Carini abandoned her match against Khelif about 46 seconds into their matchup. Carini was punched in the face twice and was heard yelling about the fairness of the fight to her coaches. She was in tears after the match and emotional while talking to reporters about the fight.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Algerian Imane Khelif, left, during the Women's 66kg preliminary round match against Italian Angela Carini on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on Aug. 1, 2024 in Paris. (Fabio Bozzani/Anadolu via Getty Images)On Friday, Carini told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport that she wanted to "apologize" to Khelif."All this controversy makes me sad," Carini said, via BBC. "I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision."Carini was seen giving Khelif the cold shoulder after the right. She said it was one of the things she regretted about the match."It wasn't something I intended to do," Carini said. "Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke."Khelif will fight in the next round on Saturday against Hungarian Luca Hamori. Angela Carini of Team Italy looks on prior to the Women's 66kg preliminary round match against Imane Khelif of Team Algeria on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on Aug. 1, 2024 in Paris. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)RILEY GAINES CALLS FEMALE BOXER A 'HERO' FOR FORFEITING MATCH AGAINST FIGHTER WITH XY CHROMOSOMES, SLAMS IOCThe Algerian fighter has been under the microscope after the International Boxing Association deemed that Khelif failed gender eligibility tests, and the president of the organization claimed the boxer had "XY chromosomes."The International Olympic Committee defended Khelif’s eligibility on Thursday as the gender controversy heated up."These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA," the IOC said of Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting. "Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process. Algerian Imane Khelif, left, gestures to Italian Angela Carini in the women's 66kg preliminaries round of 16 boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena on Aug. 1, 2024. (MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)"According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO. The IBA Board only ratified it afterwards and only subsequently requested that a procedure to follow in similar cases in the future be established and reflected in the IBA Regulations. The minutes also say that the IBA should "establish a clear procedure on gender testing.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years."Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. "
The gender controversy surrounding the Paris Olympics has taken a new turn as Italian boxer Angela Carini has expressed regret over her post-match behavior towards Algerian opponent Imane Khelif. The controversy escalated after Khelif was deemed ineligible by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to failed gender eligibility tests, leading to her sudden disqualification from the 2023 IBA World Championships. Amidst the ensuing backlash, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended Khelif's eligibility, citing a lack of due process in the IBA's decision-making.
Gender Controversy Heats Up as Italian Boxer Breaks Silence on Fight with Algerian
Carini, who abandoned her match against Khelif just seconds into the bout, has since spoken out about her decision. She expressed sadness over the controversy and apologized to her opponent, stating that her actions were driven by disappointment and frustration. Carini acknowledged the IBA's decision to allow Khelif to compete and expressed her respect for the ruling.
However, Carini also expressed regret for giving Khelif the cold shoulder after the match, an act she described as unintentional and contrary to her true intentions. She emphasized her desire to apologize to Khelif and others for her behavior, attributing it to the emotional toll of her Olympic aspirations being shattered.
Gender Controversy Heats Up as Italian Boxer Breaks Silence on Fight with Algerian
While Khelif remains eligible to compete in the next round, the controversy has sparked widespread debate and raised concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of transgender athletes in sports. Carini's apology has added another layer to the ongoing discussion, highlighting the personal toll that such controversies can take on athletes and the importance of respectful discourse.
The gender controversy has also drawn attention to the need for clear and transparent procedures regarding gender testing in sports. The IOC's defense of Khelif's eligibility has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that the decision should have been based on more rigorous testing and others emphasizing the importance of respecting the athlete's right to compete.
Gender Controversy Heats Up as Italian Boxer Breaks Silence on Fight with Algerian
As the Paris Olympics approach, the gender controversy is likely to remain a topic of discussion. The outcome of Khelif's next match and the continued debate surrounding gender testing will undoubtedly shape the future of transgender athletes' participation in sports.
