Angela Carini to receive huge payout despite quitting controversial Olympic boxing match against Imane Khelif

Angela Carini, the Olympic boxer who withdrew 46 seconds into her bout with Imane Khelif, will be awarded the same prize money as if she had clinched the gold medal , according to an announcement.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has confirmed that it will disburse $50,000 to Carini, the sum she would have pocketed had she emerged victorious and claimed the gold. The same amount will also be given to Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan, who was defeated by Lin Yu-Ting from China on Friday.

Both Yu-Ting and Khelif have been embroiled in controversy surrounding their participation in Paris, having previously been barred from competition due to failing gender tests. Both athletes were born female, and neither has transitioned or expressed any intention to do so.

• Is Imane Khelif biologically male? Olympic boxing gender controversy explained
• Imane Khelif's brutal eight-word response after boxer beat Italy's Angela Carini in 46 seconds

Yu-Ting and Khelif's tests, conducted prior to the 2023 World Championships, indicated high testosterone levels, resulting in their failure to meet the eligibility criteria . Consequently, both were prohibited from competing.

However, the International Olympic Committee saw no problem with their participation, and both athletes have shown remarkable performance at the Paris games thus far. Controversy flared up on Thursday when Khelif overpowered Carini in just 46 seconds, prompting the Italian to withdraw after claiming she'd never been hit so hard, reports the Express US .

• Imane Khelif's former competitor speaks out after Angela Carini quit Olympics
• 'Heartbroken' Olympic boxer quits seconds into bout against fighter who 'failed' sex test

Despite her untimely departure from the tournament, IBA President Umar Kremlev has decided to reward her with a hefty sum. He stated: "I couldn't look at her tears."

"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 safety reasons."

• Imane Khelif's next opponent makes feelings clear with three-word statement ahead of next boxing fight
• Elon Musk weighs in on Imane Khelif Olympic boxing controversy with one word after fighter failed gender test

Carini, initially against fighting Khelif and notably refused to shake hands, later expressed her sadness over the controversies: "All this controversy makes me sad," she said. "I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision."

She also sought to make amends, adding: "[Not shaking hands] wasn't something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke."