The International Boxing Association (IBA) have said they plan to award Angela Carini $50,000 (£39,000) in prize money after she lost her welterweight round-of-16 bout against Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics.
Carini pulled out in the opening round of her contest against Khelif after just 46 seconds and broke down in tears. Khelif's participation at the games has been questioned after she was disqualified by the IBA last year for failing their gender eligibility test, thought she was cleared to compete in Paris.
However, the IOC has raised doubts over the test and the IBA were stripped of their status as boxing's world governing body in 2023 amid concerns over the organisation's finances, governance and ethics.
"We don't know what the protocol was, we don't know whether the test was accurate, we don't know whether we should believe the test," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said. "There's a difference between a test taking place and whether we accept the accuracy or even the protocol of the test."
The IBA, though, intend to award Carini $50,000 (£39,000), her federation $25,000 (£19,500) and her coach $25,000 (£19,500). "I do not understand why they killed women’s boxing," IBA President Umar Kremlev said.
"Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety. I could not look at her tears. I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer. Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety."
Carini has since apologised to Khelif for the "controversy" surrounding their contest, having spurned a post-fight handshake. "All this controversy makes me sad," she said. "I'm sorry for my opponent, too. … If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.
"It wasn't something I intended to do [ignoring the handshake]. Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke. I don't have anything against Khelif. Actually, if I were to meet her again I would embrace her."
Khelif is now guaranteed at least a bronze medal after beating Anna Luca Hamori by unanimous decision. She will now face Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-finals on Tuesday after she defeated Turkey's Busenaz Surmeneli, the reigning Olympic champion.
Follow all the action on day 8 of the Paris Olympics with Mirror Sport's live blog
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Daily Mirror's ultimate unofficial guide to the Games includes exclusive interviews with some of our leading medal contenders, world record holders and reigning champions.
Our brilliant day-by-day rundown tells you what's on when, what you can't miss, the expected star of the day and the Brit with the best chance of a medal.
The souvenir edition hits the shelves on July 17 but is available for pre-order right now from our shop and is priced at £3.99.
Get your copy right here.
微信扫一扫添加好友