The first round of the Olympic women's boxing tournament in the 66-kilogram category lasted just 46 seconds. Italy's Angela Carini withdrew from the bout against Algeria's Imane Khelif after being punched in the nose, left the ring and spoke of "injustice". 

In the last two days, the name of Algerian athlete Imane Khelif has become widely known, the boxer has been the target of insults and criticism questioning her gender, despite meeting all the eligibility criteria of the International Olympic Committee.

However, after a wave of insults, misinformation and transphobia on social media, the Italian athlete ended up apologizing to her Algerian opponent.

In a publication by RFIMozambican boxer Alcinda Panguana, who fought Imane Khalif in the qualifying matches in Senegal, said she was following the whole controversy. "I've been following what's going on, but I haven't really looked into it. I know Imane Khalif and I had the chance to fight her in Senegal in the qualifying matches. By chance we both qualified," said the Mozambican boxer.

As for what is happening, Alcinda Panguana believes that it is not up to the athletes to make decisions, "there are the right people to decide who should be banned or who should stay. It's not the athletes who decide and that's why there are people assigned to each type of service. Let's not speculate, let's wait for the truth".

Asked about the difficulties of facing Imane Khelif in a duel, the Mozambican boxer says she never gives up on any fight. "I have the spirit to play and I never give up, perhaps because I'm used to fighting men in my country. In Mozambique we train with men and if this kind of situation arises, we already know how to deal with it. The draw came out: Alcinda-Imane Khelif from Algeria and I thought: let's fight, may the best win and so it was", concluded Alcinda Panguana.

The Mozambican boxer failed to qualify for the last 16 of the women's boxing tournament at the Paris Olympics. Alcinda Panguana lost her fight against China's Yang Liu, the world champion in the 66 kg category.

(AP Photo)