Angela Carini will still be payed a hefty amount for her participation in the boxing at the Olympics, despite bowing out of her fight after 46 seconds.

On August 1, Carini went toe to toe with the Algerian boxer Imane Khelif at the Olympic games in Paris.

However, after just 46 seconds and a couple of heavy blows from Khelif, the Italian boxer decided to end the fight.

According to Sky Sports News, Carini’s headgear was dislodged twice during the brief encounter, which contributed to her decision to end the fight.

“This time I didn’t succeed because I couldn’t fight anymore,” Carini explained to the press after the fight.

“I put an end to the match because after the second blow, after years of experience in the ring and a life of fighting, I felt a strong pain in my nose. I said ‘that’s enough’ because […] I could not bring the match to an end. So I thought, maybe it’s better to put an end to the match.”

She further elaborated, as cited by LBC, saying: “After the second [punch] I couldn’t breathe anymore. I quit to save my own life. I went to my coach and said ‘enough’ because it takes maturity and courage to stop. I didn’t feel like fighting anymore.”

Carini was visibly distressed after the fight. Credit: Anadolu/Getty

Khelif is one of two boxers, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who failed gender eligibility tests at the 2023 World Championships.

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev stated that both athletes were disqualified because they “proved they had XY chromosomes and were thus excluded,” citing elevated testosterone levels as the reason for their exclusion, per the Independent.

Despite the IBA’s stance, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed both Khelif and Lin to compete in the Paris Olympics.

Neither Khelif nor Lin have publicly identified as male, transgender, intersex, or non-binary.

Khelif in her fight against Carini. Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty

In light of Carini’s decision to abandon the fight after 46 seconds, the IBA has decided to award the Italian the prize money equivalent to that of an Olympic champion.

“I couldn’t look at her tears,” said Kremlev. “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.”

Imane Khelif. Credit: Anadolu/Getty

In May, the IBA announced it would provide prize money to all Olympic champions and medalists this year to support the athletes.

Gold medalists will receive $100,000, with $50,000 going directly to the athlete, $25,000 to their National Federation, and $25,000 to their coach. Silver and bronze medalists will receive $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, while athletes who finish fifth after losing in the quarterfinals will each get $10,000.