Italian boxer who withdrew from fight with Imane Khelif within 46 seconds, amid eligibility row, reveals she wants to APOLOGISE to her opponent

Italian boxer Angela Carini has revealed she wants to apologise to her opponent Imane Khelif after withdrawing from their Olympic fight within 46 seconds.

Algerian Khelif defeated Carini in the opening round of the women's welterweight event in Paris on Thursday after striking her with two strong blows.

Carini later revealed her decision to abandon the fight was necessary to 'preserve my life', after she explained how she had 'never felt a punch' like the one Khelif inflicted.

Khelif's participation in the games has been a source of contention given she was disqualified from the Women's World Boxing Championships last year and her victory on Thursday has led to the games being shrouded in controversy, with the International  Olympic Committee subsequently defending her right to compete. 

And Carini, joined those expressing sympathy to Khelif and admitted she had some regrets at how she action after the fight, which including her refusing to shake hands with her opponent.

'All this controversy makes me sad,' she told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

'I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.'

'It wasn't something I intended to do (by not shaking hands),' Carini said. 'Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.'

'(I would) embrace her (if I met her again).' 

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