Imane Khelif vs. Angela Carini: Italian boxer 'wants to apologize' after snubbing Algerian of handshake

Angela Carini was emotional following her short-lived Round of 16 boxing match at the 2024 Olympics. The Italian boxer was the first opponent for Imane Khelif , who is the focal point of the latest Olympics controversy, and Carini elected not to shake her hand after the match lasted just 46 seconds.

Khelif is one of two athletes who were disqualified from last year's Women's World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria , however, she has been given clearance to compete in the women's boxing in Paris. The story has been the main conversation stemming from the Olympics.

After snubbing Imane in the ring, Carini got her chance to speak about the ongoing debate, and is seemingly turning a new leaf on the matter.

"All this controversy makes me sad," Carini said to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport . "I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision."

Carini said she is hoping to offer her condolences to Imane for the way she acted after she withdrew from the fight, and that if the two were to meet, she would "embrace" the Algerian.

"It wasn't something I intended to do," Carini said about the handshake snub. "Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke."

While Carini is willing to admit that she did not handle the situation properly, the 25-year-old Italian boxer said she does not regret surrendering the match to her opponent.

DeCOURCY: Olympic boxer Imane Khelif's current opponent is bigger than her sport

"It could have been the match of a lifetime, but I had to preserve my life as well in that moment," Carini said.

Angela Carini snubs Imane Khelif after match

Carini and Khelif fought in a welterweight (66-kilogram) weight class in the Round of 16 on Thursday, Aug. 1. The fight lasted just 46 seconds as Carini surrendered after Khelif landed a heavy punch in the first round.

Carini called for her team to stop the fight after the blow, giving Khelif the win. She did not shake her hand after match.

MORE: IOC releases statement on Imane Khelif, Lin Yu-ting

With the victory, the Algerian boxer secured her place in the quarterfinals, which takes place on Saturday, Aug. 3.