An Olympic boxing match between Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Italy’s Angela Carini has stirred controversy in the sports world. Khelif's participation in the match raised concerns as she reportedly failed a gender eligibility test during the 2023 World Championships, where she was found to have male chromosomes, according to the International Boxing Association.
Carini decided to abandon the fight just 46 seconds into the match, prompting boxing legend Jackie Kallen to express her disapproval. Kallen, a trailblazer in the male-dominated sport, criticized the decision to allow the bout to take place, citing the ban on similar situations in other contact sports.
Kallen, known as the 'First Lady of Boxing,' has managed top fighters like James Toney and Bronco McKart, guiding them to world championships. She emphasized the potential dangers of a mismatch in hand-to-hand combat between a man and a woman, highlighting the risks involved.
IBA President Umar Kremlev revealed that Khelif was found to have 'XY chromosomes' in a test conducted in 2023, leading to the determination that she possessed competitive advantages over female competitors. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee cleared Khelif to compete in the Olympics, stating that all participants in the women's category meet the eligibility criteria.
Carini cited the intensity of one of Khelif's punches as the reason for her withdrawal from the match. Kallen expressed her belief that Khelif should be removed from the Olympics to ensure fair competition and protect the well-being of the athletes.
The ongoing controversy has cast a shadow over the boxing event, with concerns about the integrity of the competition and the safety of the fighters involved. Khelif is scheduled to compete again on Saturday, as the sports world continues to monitor the situation closely.
