"Angela Carini was robbed" - Martina Navratilova makes staggering claim about Imane Khelif's Olympics opponent after latest title win

Martina Navratilova recently praised Italian boxer Angela Carini for securing her eighth Italian boxing title. The American also revisited Carini's Paris Olympics controversy, criticizing the decision to allow Imane Khelif to compete in the women’s category.

Khelif, an Algerian boxer, became the center of controversy when her opponent Angela Carini, quit their bout at the Paris Olympics after only 46 seconds. The Italian later described the blow as the most powerful she had ever encountered and suspected she had suffered a broken nose.

Notably, in 2023, Khelif was disqualified from the World Championships in New Delhi after failing a gender test. However, since the International Boxing Association (IBA) does not govern the Olympic boxing event, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) permitted her to compete in the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

Navratilova repeatedly spoke on the Khelif-Carini controversy, condemning the Algerian for competing in the women's category. After Khelif won gold at the 2024 Olympics, the former World No. 1 called the situation a "travesty" and blamed the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Months after the Paris controversy, Carini won the Italian boxing title, defeating Daniela Golino in the 63kg final. Journalist Oliver Brown praised her on X, with Navratilova re-sharing his post and commenting:

"Brava (Brave) Angela!!! You deserved better in Paris!"

An individual later replied to Navratilova's statement.

“Brave” for doing her job? Lmao," they wrote.

In response to the fan, the 18-time Major champion once again referenced the Paris Olympics incident, writing

"Carini was robbed. Imane should have never been allowed to compete as a woman."

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Martina Navratilova has consistently criticized the authorities for letting Imane Khelif compete in the women's category

Martina Navratilova at the 2023 WTA Finals (Image Source: Getty)

Navratilova, a staunch advocate for women’s sports, has consistently opposed the inclusion of transgender athletes in the category. She criticized the authorities for allowing Khelif to compete in the women’s event following Carini’s withdrawal from the match.

"Deplorable. This will not end well for the people in power who allowed this to happen" she wrote.

On August 1, the 68-year-old lamented the IOC and the official's decision to let the Algerian compete.

"This is on all officials and people in power at the IOC- from the top down- you did this. Hope you’re proud," Navratilova wrote.

Notably, Imane Khelif has never self-identified as a transgender athlete and has consistently competed as a woman. In addition to Martina Navratilova, her close friend and former tennis rival Chris Evert condemned Khelif's participation.