SAD / The Italian boxer falls to her knees and cries after being beaten by a "biological male": I have never felt such a strong punch (VIDEO)

Italian boxer Angela Carini broke down in tears after abandoning her bout against Algerian Imane Khelif after 46 seconds in a bout that caused major controversy at the Olympics.

Italian boxer Angela Carini walked out of the fight and broke down in tears just 46 seconds into the first round during a fight with a biologically male athlete at the Paris Olympics.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is one of two boxers allowed to compete in the Olympics, despite being disqualified from the women's world championships last year for failing testosterone and gender appropriateness tests.

At the North Paris Arena, Carini then revealed that she had retired after being hit harder than ever before. The first punch knocked the mask strap off his chin and the second punched him in the chin, bleeding him.

"I am heartbroken", said Carini. "I went to the ring to honor my father. I was told many times that I was a fighter, but I preferred to stop for my health. I've never felt a punch like this," she said.

The 25-year-old from Naples added: "I entered the ring to fight. I didn't give up, but one punch really hurt me and so I said enough. I'm going out with my head held high."

"After the second punch, after years of experience, I felt a sharp pain in my nose. I said enough, because I didn't want to. I couldn't finish the fight after the punch to the nose. So it was better to end it.

I'm torn because I'm a fighter, I've been taught to be a fighter. I have always tried to behave with honor, I have always represented my country faithfully. This time I didn't make it because I couldn't fight anymore. Regardless of the person in front of me, I don't care, regardless of everything, I just wanted to win. I wanted to face the person in front of me and fight", said Carini.

Asked if it would have been better to withdraw in advance, Carini said: "I am not one of those who give up easily. No, even if they had said we wouldn't fight, I would never have accepted it. I have a warrior mentality. I didn't make it this time. I felt a lot of pain in my nose. I said enough.