Imane Khelif's brutal eight-word response after boxer beat Italy's Angela Carini in 46 seconds amid gender controversy

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif made a powerful statement at the 2024 Paris Olympics by defeating Italy's Angela Carini in just 46 seconds in the women's 145lb category, despite gender controversy.

Khelif's participation in the Olympics sparked intense debate online regarding fairness and safety in women's sports. Last year, the International Boxing Association [IBA] disqualified her from the Women's World Championships for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria just hours before her scheduled gold medal match in New Delhi.

In another Olympic boxing outcry, Ireland's Aoife O'Rourke's lost out against Poland's Elzbieta Wojcik in a judging decision branded a "disgrace" by an expert .

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The 25-year-old boxer Imane tested for elevated testosterone levels , which led to the cancellation of her 145lb matchup against 2019 AIBA Women's World Boxing medalist Yang Liu. But the International Olympic Committee [IOC] has its own set of regulations and rules for the games, deeming Khelif's participation within the competition's framework.

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The official release stated that the decision was made following the latest separate from a testosterone examination, which would have confidential practices and results. Lin Yu-ting, the other boxer disqualified along with Khelif, did not appeal the IBA's decision.

Neither competitor has ever identified as anything other than female in competition.

The match kicked off with both boxers donning their mandatory head protection. It only took 30 seconds for Khelif to deliver a thumping right jab straight to Carini's face, causing a stir among the spectators.

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Carini called for a break and retreated to her corner, where her coach tried to adjust her headgear that had shifted from the force of the blow.

The fight briefly continued before Carini once again went back to her corner, deciding to call it quits with 2:14 left in the opening round. Following her assertive win, Khelif restated her ambition: "I'm here for the gold - I fight everybody."

She also posted a picture of her triumph on her personal Instagram, opting to restrict comments after receiving negative remarks on earlier posts.

Conversely, Carini was visibly upset and gave an emotional interview post-fight in Italian. "I wasn't able to finish the match, I felt a strong pain to my nose," she expressed.

"And I said to myself, 'For the experience that I have and the maturity as a woman that I have, I hope my nation won't take it badly. I hope my father won't take it badly.' But I stopped. I said stop for myself because it could have been the match of my lifetime, but I had to preserve my life as well in that moment, and I felt to do so."

Carini's journey to the Olympics has been a mix of triumphs and setbacks. She earned her spot in the Paris Olympics after a tough win at the Boxing 1st World Qualification Tournament.

This victory was especially significant for Carini, as she dedicated it to her late father, who passed away before she could tell him about her qualification. Khelif's next bout is set for Saturday, Aug. 3.

If she emerges victorious, she'll be guaranteed at least a bronze medal, further solidifying her status as a strong competitor in women's boxing.

Despite the ongoing controversy over her eligibility, Khelif remains focused on her aim of winning Olympic gold, resolved to let her actions in the ring do the talking.