The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced it will award $50,000 to Italian boxer Angela Carini after she forfeited her fight against Algeria’s Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics. The decision comes amidst a swirl of controversy surrounding gender eligibility in women’s boxing.
Carini’s bout against Khelif ended just 46 seconds into the match, leaving the Italian boxer visibly emotional. IBA President Umar Kremlev, in a recent video, expressed his disapproval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and announced the prize money for Carini. He stated, “I could not bear to see her tears. I am not indifferent to such circumstances, and I assure you that we will defend each boxer. I fail to comprehend why there is a push to undermine women’s boxing. Only those who are eligible should step into the ring to ensure safety.”
Kremlev also revealed plans to award $25,000 to Italy’s boxing federation and another $25,000 to Carini’s coach. The IBA has raised concerns about Khelif, claiming she did not pass a gender identity test during its world championships last year. This has sparked significant controversy regarding the participation of Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting in the women’s boxing events at the Olympics.
The IOC, however, has consistently stated that both Khelif and Lin fulfill the criteria for Olympic eligibility. Both athletes had participated in IBA-sanctioned events for several years before their sudden disqualification in New Delhi last year. The IOC accused the IBA of arbitrarily disqualifying the boxers, leading to a global uproar.
The IBA, despite being barred from Olympic participation, announced last month its intention to distribute $3.1 million in prize money to medalists in Paris. This move, however, has been met with skepticism due to the ongoing disputes between the IOC and IBA over governance, financial transparency, and equitable practices.
It remains uncertain whether Carini and the Italian Boxing Association is going to accept the IBA’s financial offer. Italy’s official boxing federation aligned itself with World Boxing, a separate governing body striving to maintain boxing’s Olympic status. World Boxing consists of 37 members and is actively seeking to expand its roster ahead of the IOC’s deadline for the sport to consolidate under a new governing body to secure its Olympic place.
The IBA’s website lists a different Italian federation, the Federazione Pugilistica Italiana, as one of its members. Numerous countries feature multiple amateur boxing federations, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Angela Carini’s emotional withdrawal from the fight against Khelif has highlighted the ongoing debates and challenges within the sport. The IBA’s decision to award her $50,000, along with additional funds to her coach and federation, underscores the organization’s stance on protecting its athletes. However, the broader implications of this controversy continue to unfold, with the IOC and IBA at odds over the future of boxing in the Olympics.
As the Paris Olympics progress, the spotlight remains on the athletes and the governing bodies that oversee their participation. The resolution of these disputes will shape the future of women’s boxing and the broader Olympic movement. For now, Angela Carini’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal and professional struggles faced by athletes in the pursuit of their dreams.
The outcome of this controversy will not only impact the athletes involved but also the integrity and governance of the sport. The IBA’s actions and the IOC’s responses will be closely watched by the global sports community, as they navigate the complex landscape of gender eligibility and fair competition.
In the meantime, Angela Carini’s courage and determination in the face of adversity continue to inspire many. Her story is a testament to the resilience of athletes and the ongoing fight for fairness and equality in sports.
