Algerian Imane Khelif’s much-anticipated Paris Olympics women’s welterweight fight against Angela Carini in the round of 16 lasted 46 seconds after the Italian stopped following a powerful punch to the nose.
The 25-year-old Khelif has been in the spotlight since being disqualified before a gold medal match at the 2023 World Championships for failing International Boxing Association (IBA) eligibility rules that prevent athletes with XY chromosomes competing in women’s events.
She was ruled eligible, however, to compete in Paris, a competition run by the International Olympic Committee after the Olympic body stripped the IBA of international recognition last year over issues related to governance and finance.
Khelif entered the packed North Paris arena amid loud cheers from fans waving Algeria flags, and the Italian was instantly no match for her opponent’s speed and longer reach.
“First, I thank all the Algerian people, after this first victory,” Khelif said. “I hope to achieve a second victory to secure a medal, and then think about the gold medal.”
“I tell the Algerian people that I am working to provide the best I can in order to make them happy.”
She landed four blows in the first 10 seconds and several more before Carini, who is six centimetres shorter than her opponent, went to her coach after 30 seconds to fix her headgear.
Carini briefly resumed the fight but could not stop Khelif landing another big punch to the face and the Italian lifted her hand and returned to her corner before her coach signalled she was pulling out.
“I have always honoured my country with loyalty,” Carini said with tears in her eyes. “This time I didn’t succeed because I couldn’t fight anymore.
“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.
