Savannah Marshall has voiced her frustrations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after the women’s boxing competition at the Paris Olympics hit a controversial snag.
The spotlight is now on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who achieved a swift victory over Italy’s Angela Carini, but not without significant backlash.
In a dramatic turn of events, Khelif triumphed over Carini in just 46 seconds during the opening round of the women’s welterweight match.
However, Carini’s sudden exit from the ring left many questioning the legitimacy of the match.
Carini, visibly shaken and in tears, claimed that the punch she received was unlike anything she had felt before, leading her to withdraw for her own safety.
Khelif’s appearance in the Paris Olympics has been fraught with controversy.
She was disqualified from the Women’s World Boxing Championships last year due to elevated testosterone levels, which did not meet the competition’s eligibility standards.
This disqualification was based on findings from a test conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which concluded that Khelif, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Tin, had XY chromosomes, suggesting a competitive advantage.
Despite these issues, the IOC cleared Khelif to compete in Paris.
This decision has drawn heavy criticism from various quarters, including the IBA and prominent figures in the boxing community.
Critics argue that allowing Khelif to compete under these circumstances undermines the fairness and safety of the sport.
Marshall’s Critique
Former two-weight world champion Savannah Marshall has been outspoken about the situation.
She has criticized the IOC for what she sees as inconsistent and unfair application of eligibility rules.
“It’s an absolute mess,” Marshall told Mail Sport. “How can one athlete be banned from the World Championships and yet allowed to compete in the Olympics?”
Marshall also expressed concern for Carini, noting the stark difference in power between male and female fighters. “I’ve sparred with men and felt the difference in strength.
I can empathize with Carini’s experience,” she said.
The IBA’s Response
On the eve of the Khelif-Carini bout, the IBA released a statement defending their earlier disqualification of Khelif and Yu-Tin.
The IBA clarified that their decision was based on a thorough review and confidential tests that indicated both athletes had a competitive edge over other female competitors. The organization also criticized the IOC’s inconsistent eligibility criteria, highlighting concerns about the fairness and safety of the sport.
Looking Forward
Marshall believes the controversy surrounding Khelif’s victory and the upcoming match involving Yu-Ting will continue to stir debate. “The IOC needs to address these issues head-on.
Either athletes with gender issues should be allowed to compete or they shouldn’t. We need clear and consistent rules,” she stated.
As the situation unfolds, the future of women’s boxing at the Olympics remains uncertain, with many calling for a reevaluation of the current regulations and their impact on the athletes.
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