According to The Guardian, Khelif is one of two boxers allowed to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics despite being disqualified from last year's women's world championship due to failing a testosterone and gender eligibility test. Khelif is a biologically male boxer. Angela Carini then revealed her reason for withdrawing was because she received a very hard punch, which she had never experienced before.

"I am heartbroken. I stepped into the ring to honor my father. I have been told many times that I am a fighter. But I chose to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this," said Carini, after the brief fight. The 25-year-old female boxer from Naples said her reason for stepping into the ring to fight and not wanting to give up.

"But one hit was too painful, so I said that’s enough. I will walk out with my head held high," said Carini. “After the second hit, after years of experience, I felt severe pain in my nose. I said that’s enough, because I didn’t want to. I couldn’t continue the fight after the hit to the nose. So it’s better to end it."

“I am devastated because I am a fighter, they taught me to be a fighter. I always try to behave honorably, I always represent my country with loyalty.” Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, also spoke out regarding the controversy.