Olympics boxing row takes fresh twist as Angela Carini offered cash prize after quitting against Imane Khelif
The IBA want to give Angela Carini a cash prize
REUTERS
Internationa Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev wants to reportedl give Angela Carini a cash prize of $50,000 to Angela Carini after the Italian boxer quit her fight against Imane Khelif.
Carini abandoned her fight against the Algerian boxer after just 46 seconds, who was disqualified from last year's world championships after failing the IBA's gender eligibility test.
The Italian was left in tears with the bout leading to outrage online with the likes of Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling enraged at Khelif's involvement in the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee cleared Khelif of competing in Paris 2024, who also competed in Tokyo three years ago.
The IBA want to give Angela Carini a cash prize
REUTERS
They have repeatedly stated that Khelif met their eligibility requirements to compete in the women's category with Olympics boss Thomas Bach defending the female boxer from the 'totally unacceptable hate speech' that has been directed at her.
The IBA, which has been banished from organising boxing at the Olympics since 2019 due to concerns over its finances, governance, ethics, refereeing and judging, have now hit back at the IOC and standing their ground in believing Khelif should not be allowed to fight.
Kremlev has now announced that he plans to give Carini a $50,000 prize after she tearfully quit against Khelif.
The prize would be equal to that of an Olympic champion, while Italy's national federation and Carini's coach will also reportedly receive $25,000 from the banned IBA.
"I couldn't look at her tears," IBA president Umar Kremlev said.
"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."
Angela Carini quit after just 46 seconds against Imane Khelif
REUTERS
Carini has since offered her apologies to Khelif after seeing the abuse her opponent has faced online.
"All this controversy makes me sad," Carini told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision."
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IBA president Umar Kremlev has hit out at the IOC
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She added: "It wasn't something I intended to do (by not shaking hands).
"Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.
"(I would) embrace her (if I met her again)."