Some new details have emerged concerning an Olympic boxing match, and the Prime Minister of Italy has also commented.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has raised questions about the fairness of the fight, asserting that athletes with male genetic characteristics should not be allowed to compete in women’s competitions. She further clarified that her stance wasn’t about discrimination but about ensuring equal competition for all female athletes.

Carini’s decision to withdraw from the fight has resonated widely. Her emotionally charged statement before the fight, “I will fight,” has been particularly moving. Meloni expressed empathy, underscoring the importance of equal competition, which she felt was missing in this fight.

Following the match, Carini shared her feelings, stating she entered the ring ready to fight and only stopped when the pain from a punch became too intense. Despite the outcome, Carini remains resolute in maintaining her dignity.

Emanuele Renzini, Carini’s coach, confirmed that new details confirmed that quitting the match was not part of their decision. He voiced that Carini was motivated and keen to fight, disregarding advice to the contrary. According to her coach, there was pressure from Italians for her not to take the fight.

“It would have been easier not to show up, because all of Italy had been asking her not to fight for days,” Renzini said. “But Angela was motivated and wanted to do it.”

“Of course, when she met her opponent at the draw she said ‘it’s not fair.’ But there was no premeditation here today. She quit after taking one punch, she told me she didn’t feel she could fight,” he added.

The controversy extends further. Khelif was previously disqualified during the 2023 World Championships. The International Boxing Association (IBA) stated that Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting didn’t meet gender eligibility standards, citing high levels of testosterone detected in Khelif.

Khelif and the Algerian Olympic Committee have vehemently denied these claims despite each of the athletes refusing to appeal the IBA’s 2023 decision. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) went ahead to clear Khelif to participate in the Games.

The IBA issued a statement on the matter, reinforcing that the disqualification of Khelif and Lin was due to the failure to meet eligibility criteria. They emphasized that such a decision was crucial to preserve the integrity and fairness of the competition.

Interestingly, the IBA also criticized the IOC for essentially breaking its own rules.

Well before the games started, the IOC announced a rule that each sport would decide who could and could not compete regarding transgender athletes.

But for some reason, the IOC allowed these two to compete and has doubled down on their decision.

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