Paris: Italian boxer Angela Carini tearfully abandoned her Olympic fight against Algerian Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the bout.

The match, held at the North Paris Arena, sparked significant controversy due to Khelif’s previous disqualification from the women’s world championships for failing testosterone and gender eligibility tests. Khelif, along with Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei, was controversially allowed to compete in the Olympics despite these issues. In a tense scene, Carini explained her decision to withdraw after being struck harder than ever before. A powerful punch from Khelif dislodged Carini’s chinstrap, and a subsequent blow left her nose in pain and her shorts bloodied.  “I am heartbroken,” Carini said. “I went to the ring to honour my father. I was told many times that I was a warrior, but I chose to prioritise my health. I have never felt a punch like this.” The 25-year-old from Naples continued, “I didn’t give up, but the pain was too much. I decided to stop, holding my head high.”