Angela Carinia could receive an eye-popping payout despite abandoning her Olympic boxing match against Imane Khelif on Thursday.
The Italian boxer is at the center of what has turned into quite the saga, having quit her bout against the latter after just 46 seconds. Her decision sparked rife speculation over the Algerian’s gender, with many pointing out that she was expelled from the 2023 World Championships because of high testosterone levels.
While the International Olympic Committee has backed Khelif, claiming she met the tournament’s, the International Boxing Association is taking Carini’s side. IBA president Umar Kremlev has revealed that he wants to award the Italian $50,000.
“I couldn’t look at her [Carini] tears,” he said, per the Associated Press. “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.”
Kremlev also disclosed that he intends to present $25,000 to Italy’s national federation and another $25,000 to Carini’s coach.
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It Will Be Interesting To See Whether Angela Carini Will Accept The Generous Offer
Angela Carini might not be inclined to accept the sum, having already apologized to Khelif.
“All this controversy makes me sad,” she told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
She also apologized for snubbing a handshake from her opponent, stating that she was angry at having her Olympic dream end so soon.
If she accepts the award, it’s likely to lengthen the controversy. But why turn down a cool $50K if all you had to do is take a couple of punches?
Most of us would take two solid punches to the face for much less.
