Imane Khelif's next opponent makes feelings clear with three-word statement ahead of next boxing fight

In a brazen statement as she gears up for a bout against Algeria's Imane Khelif , Hungarian boxing prodigy Anna Luca Hamori refuses to be daunted.

Last year, Khelif couldn't participate in the World Championships after being found to have testosterone levels that didn't meet eligibility criteria set by officials. Despite this hiccup, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has green-lit her, supported by passport details affirming her female gender.

Khelif made quite an impression in Paris on Thursday during the preliminary face-off with Angela Carini, compelling the Italian to bow out of the match just 46 seconds in. Carini cited unprecedented brute force behind the punches and chose to exit for the sake of her well-being.

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This retreat triggered a flurry of misinformed accusations hurled at Khelif, labelling her transgender, which is inaccurate.

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Hamori, who previously triumphed over Australia's Marissa Williamson Pohlman, remains undaunted as she looks ahead to Saturday's quarter-final clash.

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"I'm not scared," was Hamori's unwavering response to the press. "I don't care about the press story and social media. If she or he is a man, it will be a bigger victory for me if I win."

She also stressed the importance of detachment from digital distractions before a fight, stating, "I'm trying to not use my phone before the fight. I don't want to care about the comments or the story or the news. I just want to stay focused on myself. I did it before my last two fights, so I think this is the key, and we will see."

Hamori was taken aback by Carini's unexpected exit from the ring, commenting: "It was her choice. I don't understand, because I thought every boxer's mind is the same like mine, to never give up. But it was her choice. We don't know what was the reason. It's her life, but I know I want to do this in my own life."

IOC's spokesperson, Mark Adams gave his backing to their decision on Khelif's eligibility. He defended: "Everyone competing in the women's category is complying with the competition eligibility rules. They are women in their passports and it's stated that this is the case, that they are female."

After being derailed on her Olympic journey, Carini confirmed her withdrawal, despite the disappointment. She stated: "I'm used to suffering," and further admitted: "I've never taken a punch like that, it's impossible to continue. I'm nobody to say it's illegal."

Carini recounted her final bout with resignation, saying: "I got into the ring to fight. But I didn't feel like it anymore after the first minute. I started to feel a strong pain in my nose. I didn't give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough. I'm leaving with my head held high."