In a controversial Olympic boxing match on Thursday, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has XY chromosomes, defeated Italian boxer Angela Carini with a powerful punch that ended the fight in just 46 seconds.

Khelif was previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to an eligibility test by the International Boxing Association that revealed XY chromosomes. While men typically have XY chromosomes and women have XX chromosomes, there are exceptions, such as Swyer syndrome, where an individual can have XY chromosomes and female genitalia. Khelif has not publicly identified as transgender or disclosed any sexual development disorders, leaving the reason for the test result uncertain. Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who also failed the chromosome test in 2023, is set to compete in the 2024 Olympics against women, despite similar controversy.

Angela Carini, visibly upset after the defeat, left the ring in tears and declined to shake hands with Khelif, reportedly shouting "this is unjust," according to the New York Post. In a post-fight interview, Carini expressed shock at the force of the punch, stating she had "never been hit so hard" and apologized to her country for the brief match duration. Her coach, Emanuel Renzini, revealed that many advised Carini not to fight Khelif, warning her of potential danger due to Khelif's male genetic characteristics.

Mary Rice Hasson, director of the Person and Identity Project at the conservative Ethics and Public Policy Center, criticized the International Olympic Committee's decision to allow males identifying as females to compete in women's sports, particularly in a contact sport like boxing. She argued that genetics are definitive and that the inclusion of male competitors in women's events undermines fair competition and endangers female athletes.

Former swimmer Riley Gaines, who competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, commented on the fight, labeling it as "glorified male violence against women" and questioning the acceptance of such matches.

Khelif's upcoming Olympic match is set for Saturday against Hungarian boxer Luca Anna Hamori, while Lin will face Uzbekistani boxer Sitora Turdibekova on Friday.