Olympics fans rage as athlete who has failed gender test wins boxing fight - 'End of equality in sport'

Khelif had been kicked out after her elevated levels of testosterone failed to meet the eligibility criteria.

The Algerian Olympic Committee, for their part, hit back by saying her elimination was part of a 'conspiracy' to stop them from winning a gold medal. They also said her high testosterone levels were down to 'medical reasons'.

On Thursday, Khelif took the ring for the first time at the Olympics.

She beat Italian star Angela Carini, who withdrew after just 46 seconds following two early punches in the opening round.

Carini was visibly emotional after her defeat, with the 25-year-old crying inside the ring.

And fans on X aren't happy with Khelif winning, with one user saying: "The end of equality in sport. Shame on the IOC."

JUST IN:Mike Tyson receives 'catastrophic' message ahead of boxing fight with Jake Paul

A second said: "@iocmedia why do you guys allow this in the sport?"

A third stated: "This is a scandal! I am done with this Olympic Spirit. I feel so sorry for Angela Carini."

Another said: "Absolute disgrace to put her in that position."

A fifth weighed in by saying: "This is outrageous and disgraceful."

READ MORE: Tom Daley makes complaint about Olympic Village as diving star talks Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal encounters

And a sixth raged: "Complete outrage. The IOC are a complete disgrace."

Carini had said before the fight that she could 'only adapt to the rules of the Olympics'.

The International Boxing Association released a statement on Wednesday expressing concerns over allow Khelif to compete, however.

"As stated, the International Boxing Association (IBA) feels it appropriate at this prevalent time, to address recent media statements regarding those athletes Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif, particularly regarding their participation in the Paris Olympic Games 2024," they said.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Rafael Nadal delivers alarming statement after being dumped out of Olympics doubles with Carlos Alcaraz
• Olympics athletes 'think there's a huge issue brewing in Paris' after Adam Peaty's positive Covid test
• England next manager: Jurgen Klopp doesn't hold back after Gareth Southgate exit - 'Must have missed that'

"We wish to make the following points in these regards:

"On 24 March 2023, IBA disqualified athletes Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships New Delhi 2023. This disqualification was a result of their failure to meet the eligibility criteria for participating in the women’s competition, as set and laid out in the IBA Regulations. This decision, made after a meticulous review, was extremely important and necessary to uphold the level of fairness and utmost integrity of the competition.

"Point to note, the athletes did not undergo a testosterone examination but were subject to a separate and recognised test, whereby the specifics remain confidential.

"This test conclusively indicated that both athletes did not meet the required necessary eligibility criteria and were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors.

"The decision made by IBA on 24 March 2023, was subsequently ratified by the IBA Board of Directors on 25 March 2023. The official record of this decision can be accessed on the IBA website here IBA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes."

They also said: "Our Committees have rigorously reviewed and endorsed the decision made during the World Championships.

"While IBA remains committed to ensuring competitive fairness in all of our events, we express concern over the inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by other sporting organizations, including those overseeing the Olympic Games.

"The IOC’s differing regulations on these matters, in which IBA is not involved, raise serious questions about both competitive fairness and athletes’ safety.

"For clarification on why the IOC permits athletes with competitive advantages to compete in their events, we urge interested parties to seek answers directly from the IOC."