The International Boxing Association is to award Angela Carini with Olympic champion prize money.

International Boxing Association (IBA) is set to award Angel Carini the prize money as if she were an Olympic champion.

Carini abandoned her bout against Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the clash on Thursday, sparking huge debate over whether the Algerian boxer should be allowed to compete at the 2024 Olympics.

The Italian said she had withdrawn from the contest due to being punched harder than she had even been hit in her career.

Khelif – like Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting – was banned by the IBA for failing gender eligibility tests, but has been allowed to compete in Paris, which are run by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Despite Carini pulling out of her match against Khelif, the IBA is to award her with Olympic champion prize money.

IBA president Umar Kremlev said: “I couldn’t look at her tears.

“I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer.”

He added: I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing. Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety.”

Imane Khelif and Angela Carini during their Olympic bout. Image: Getty

All gold medalists will receive prize money of $100,000, with the athlete bagging $50,000, their National Federation receiving $25,000 and their coach picking up $25,000.

All silver medalists will receive prize money of $50,000, with the athlete receiving £25,000 while all bronze medalists will earn $25,000, with the athlete receiving $12,500.

Speaking after her fight with Khelif, Carini expressed her regret at not shaking hands with her opponent.

“All this controversy makes me sad,” she said.

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

The 25-year-old added: “It wasn’t something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”