A lip reader revealed what the boxer said after she withdrew from a 46-second fight against his rival, Imane Khelif, in the Paris Olympics.
In the highly anticipated women’s 66kg boxing match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Italy’s Angela Carini faced off against Algeria’s Imane Khelif.
However, the fight was over in a mere 46 seconds, with Carini suddenly deciding to withdraw from the contest.
This surprising turn of events has sparked heated conversations and drawn attention from audiences and analysts.
Lip reader reveals boxer’s words after quitting 46-second fight against rival Imane Khelif
Recently, a lip reader revealed what Carini said after she walked away from the match.
This came amid discussions about Khelif’s failure in the gender eligibility test.
According to a lip reader, after the fight was stopped, Carini was visibly upset and was heard saying to her corner, “It hurt like hell.”
This outburst came shortly after Carini’s headgear had become dislodged and she felt a hard pain in her nose following Khelif’s first blow.
After the opening bell, Carini reportedly raised her hand, prompting the corner to check her header
She then managed to land a single punch before a second blow from Khelif struck her in the face.
After that, Carini decided to withdraw from the contest abruptly.
She refused to shake her opponent’s hand after just 46 seconds of competition.
Carini later explained her decision to end the fight in Paris Olympics.
In an interview, she admitted that Khelif’s punches were the hardest ones she has ever suffered in her life.
“I put an end to the match because after the second blow, after years of experience in the ring and a life of fighting, I felt a strong pain in my nose.
Then I said ‘that’s enough’ because […] I could not bring the match to an end.
So I thought, maybe it’s better to put an end to the match,” she said.
The IOC defends Imane Khelif amid debate over the gender eligibility test
The brief and controversial match has sparked heated debate over Khelif’s previous disqualification from the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.
Khelif was disqualified for failing a testosterone level test, though details about the test and its criteria have not been publicly released.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC)has since released a statement defending the eligibility of Khelif.
“All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations,” the IOC stated.
The IOC spokesperson, Mark Adams, emphasized the importance of avoiding “stigmatizing people.”
He also called for responsibility in discussing the situation.
Social media reaction
Carini’s withdrawal from the fight has led to a range of reactions and discussions within the boxing community and the wider public.
Some have expressed sympathy for Carini’s decision, citing concerns about her safety and well-being.
Others have questioned the fairness of the matchup, given Khelif’s previous gender eligibility issues.
The “male” boxer in question is a born female. She has a condition that causes women to produce excess testosterone, one user said.
Imene is a woman, but if her strength is that great, she should be forced to compete against men or other women who have the same physical advantage, the second user commented.
I have PCOS and I’m stronger than your average woman.
I have gotten into legal trouble for getting into fights with women due to my manlike strength, the third user explained.
Feel so sorry for her, training all your life and this happens, another wrote.
Elon Musk and Jk Rowling are not wrong all along, someone mentioned.
This must be stopped, it’s abuse, another said.