Gaines Applauds ‘Heroic’ Boxer for Forfeiting Match
Riley Gaines, well-known advocate for fairness in women’s sports, recently commended Italian boxer Angela Carini for taking a bold stand. Carini chose to forfeit her match against Algerian fighter Imane Khelif, who has been a subject of controversy for having XY chromosomes.
Khelif advanced to the women’s 66-kilogram quarterfinals when Carini conceded just 46 seconds into the match. The Italian boxer expressed that she had never been hit so hard in her entire career, prompting her decision to forfeit.
Gaines Criticizes the IOC
Gaines, sharing her thoughts on OutKick’s “Hot Mic,” did not hold back her criticism toward the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their handling of the situation. She felt that Carini’s actions were a powerful way to make a statement against what she considers an unfair situation.
“In reality, she is the winner. She’s a hero for every young girl who watched that … in truth, she’s a hero for all of humanity for forfeiting,” said Gaines, who also hosts the “Gaines for Girls” podcast.
Riley Gaines (Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/File)
Khelif has faced scrutiny due to her XY chromosomes, which led to her being banned from the previous year’s IBA World Championships for not meeting gender eligibility requirements. Despite this, she was allowed to compete in the Olympic event.
Gaines labeled the IOC’s reinforcement of these regulations as mere formalities, expressing, “They don’t mean it, they don’t care about Angela Carini. They don’t care that she could have potentially lost her life. That sounds exaggerated, but that’s the reality of it. If it’s a fatal injury, the IOC doesn’t care.”
Algeria’s Imane Khelif, left, punches Italy’s Angela Carini during their bout at the Paris Olympics in Villepinte, France, on Aug. 1, 2024. (MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Gaines voiced her anger at what she perceives as a disregard for female athletes’ safety and fairness. “The message that [the IOC is] sending loud and clear … is that we, as women, don’t matter, we’re not worthy of equal opportunity, we’re not worthy of calling ourselves champions; we exist to validate the feelings and identity of a man,” she stated.
Algeria’s Imane Khelif, right, defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in their bout on Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Khelif is now set to face Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori on Saturday. Hamori has declared she is “not scared” of the controversial fighter, indicating her readiness for the match.
Riley Gaines continues to be a vocal advocate in the sports world, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fairness and safety for all female athletes.
