Despite loss to Algeria’s Khelif, Italy’s Carini to be awarded prize money by IBA

Controversy Erupts Over Prize Money and Eligibility After Boxing Match at Paris Olympics

• Italy’s Angela Carini, defeated in 46 seconds by Algeria’s Imane Khelif, will receive $50,000 from the IBA.
• The match has sparked controversy over gender eligibility rules and the fairness of women’s boxing.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and IBA face criticism over their handling of the situation.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, a heated debate has erupted following a swift boxing match in which Italy’s Angela Carini was defeated by Algeria’s Imane Khelif in just 46 seconds. The International Boxing Association (IBA) announced on Friday that Carini would receive $50,000 in prize money, with her federation and coach also receiving additional funds. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the fairness and eligibility of athletes in women’s boxing.

Carini’s early exit from the match came after Khelif unleashed a flurry of punches, leading to her quick withdrawal. The IBA President Umar Kremlev expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of women’s boxing, questioning why certain athletes were allowed to compete despite ongoing gender eligibility disputes.

The controversy is further fueled by the fact that both Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, another competitor with a similar background, were cleared to participate in the Paris Games despite being disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to eligibility issues. The IOC, which took over the management of boxing for these Olympics after stripping the IBA of its recognition last year, has faced criticism for allowing these athletes to compete.

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni echoed concerns about the match’s fairness, arguing that Carini faced an opponent with significant physical advantages. This sentiment has been shared by notable figures like British author J.K. Rowling and billionaire Elon Musk, who have voiced their opposition to the current eligibility standards.

The IOC’s rules for the Paris Olympics remain unchanged from those of the Tokyo 2021 Games, despite the ongoing debate over athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD), who may have male XY chromosomes but are raised and compete as female. As the controversy continues, the focus remains on ensuring fair competition and addressing the complexities of gender eligibility in sports.