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Social media personality Andrew Tate has caused a stir by announcing his plans to enter women’s boxing and challenge Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
His announcement comes on the heels of a controversial match between Khelif and Italian boxer Angela Carini at the Paris Olympics.
During the bout, Carini withdrew just 46 seconds in after Khelif landed a significant punch. Visibly upset, Carini fell to her knees and told her team, “It’s not right.” This incident has sparked widespread debate about fairness in women's sports.
The controversy surrounding Khelif stems from her previous disqualification at last year’s Women’s World Championships, where she failed a gender eligibility test conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Although the IBA has not disclosed specific reasons for the failure, Khelif was allowed to compete in Paris because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) no longer recognises the IBA’s rulings.
Khelif’s participation and victory have drawn criticism, with some alleging she has a competitive advantage as a transgender woman. However, it is noted that Khelif was born female and identifies as such.
In response, support for Carini surged online, with #IStandWithAngelaCarini trending and many criticising the perceived unfairness of the match.