Imane Khelif's former competitor speaks out after Angela Carini quit Olympics following brutal 46-second defeat

A boxer who triumphed over Imane Khelif - who beat Italian competitor Angela Carini in 46 seconds amid a gender row - has come to the defence of the Algerian athlete amidst her contentious showing at the Paris Games, shunning accusations that the Olympic contender is a "cheat" .

Khelif was one of two boxers barred from last year's World Championships for not meeting gender requirements . But, she were sanctioned to compete in the Olympics by the IOC. In Thursday's game, she clashed with Angela Carini from Italy, who after 46 seconds decided to throw in the towel.

Carini experienced discomfort post receiving a hit from Khelif, consulted with her team, and then opted out of the contest. The aftermath was dramatic, as the Italian declined to salute her adversary and slumped down, overwhelmed with emotion.

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Citing safety concerns, Carini elaborated on her choice to retire from the match, highlighting the intensity of the blows she received. She shared: "After the second [punch], I couldn't breathe anymore. I went to my coach and said 'enough' because it takes maturity and courage to stop. I didn't feel like fighting anymore."

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The inclusion of Khelif and Lin Yuting from Taiwan, another athlete who failed testosterone exams previously, has prompted widespread discussions. With Carini exiting the bout, this has become a focal issue at the Games.

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Amid the ongoing controversy, Khelif has found an ally in Amy Broadhurst, an ex-opponent. Broadhurst, hailing from Ireland, conquered Khelif in the final round for gold at the 2022 World Championships.

Before the clash with Carini, Broadhurst took to X to express her views on Imane Khelif: "Have a lot of people texting me over Imane Khelif. Personally I don't think she has done anything to 'cheat'. I think it's the way she was born and that's out of her control. The fact that she has been beaten by nine females before says it all."

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After securing victory, she posted a clip of the fight with the caption: "Thoughts after watching this?"

The Algerian Olympic Committee has come out swinging in defence of their athlete, stating prior to her first bout: "Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics."

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams also weighed in, saying on Thursday: "What I'd repeat is all the competitors comply with the competition eligibility rules and that's as it should be."

"That's how these boxers concerned have taken part in these Games, have taken part in previous World Championships, have taken part in previous Olympic Games, have taken part in regional and continental competitions. They comply with the eligibility rules and I think that's as it should be and how it can be."