Angela Carini, an Italian boxer, will receive $50,000 in prize money from the International Boxing Association (IBA) after her controversial defeat in the welterweight round-of-16 at the Paris Olympics.
Carini withdrew from the bout against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif after just 46 seconds, overwhelmed by a barrage of punches.
Despite the swift defeat, the IBA has decided to award Carini the substantial prize money, alongside $25,000 each for her federation and coach.
Imane Khelif, at the centre of a gender eligibility controversy, was cleared to compete in Paris despite failing IBA rules barring athletes with male XY chromosomes from women’s events. Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, a double world champion, faced similar scrutiny.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni criticised the bout, arguing it was not a fair match between equals.
However, WBC women’s world featherweight champion Skye Nicolson defended Khelif and Lin, stating they have been defeated by women multiple times, suggesting they deserve fair treatment and respect despite the controversy.
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