Amid the ongoing controversy in the Paris Olympics 2024, between Italy’s woman boxer, Angela Carini and the Algerian opponent Imane Khelif, the International Boxing Association (IBA) has decided to award Carini with a prize money of $50,000, despite her bout, which lasted a mere 46 seconds on Thursday.  

Notably, Carini’ left the bout just within seconds of entering the boxing ring and quit while in tears, sparking controversies and accusations on gender verification against her welterweight opponent Khelif.  

These accusations and debates also led Khelif to face online abuse and unwarranted scrutiny. However, with this abrupt conclusion of the fight, the Russian-backed International Boxing Association (IBA) has made an announcement on Saturday to award Angela Carini, who abandoned against Khelif at Paris Olympics 2024 in the women’s boxing round.  

She will be awarded the prize money as she was an Olympic Champion. 

IBA issues Press release 

Umar Kremlev— the IBA President in a press release issued by the International Boxing Association, said “I couldn’t look at her tears. I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure you that we will protect each boxer. I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing. Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety.” 

The IBA, which lost its international recognition in June 2023 due to transparency concerns and ethical issues, said that the Italian Boxer will receive a prize money of $50,000, including $25,000 for her federation and additional $25,000 her coach. 

IOC takes stand for Imane Khelif 

Despite facing several online abuses from many notable personalities, the International Olympic Committee stood by Khelif’s side. In a statement, the IOC spokesperson, Mark Adams said, ”I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer. I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing. Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety.” 

Additionally, Carini also felt sorry for Khelif and expressed her regrets over leaving the match in the middle.  ”All this controversy makes me sad, I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision,” she added.